BREAKING: Itodo to Citizens – Resist All Efforts to Politicize Election Management Institution

In a recent interview shared by Channels Television, Samson Itodo emphasized the critical role of public vigilance in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. Speaking on concerns surrounding the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he warned against growing attempts by political actors to influence the electoral system.

He stated that “Citizens must reject every attempt by the political class to capture the election management body,” stressing that democratic institutions can only remain credible when they are protected from partisan control. According to him, the responsibility of defending electoral integrity does not rest solely on institutions but also on citizens who must actively hold leaders accountable.

Itodo explained that when political elites attempt to manipulate or dominate electoral bodies, it erodes trust in the system and weakens the legitimacy of election outcomes. He noted that such actions, if left unchecked, could gradually undermine democratic principles and reduce elections to mere formalities without reflecting the true will of the people.

He further called for sustained civic engagement, urging Nigerians to speak out against actions that threaten the neutrality of INEC. He added that collective resistance from citizens has, in the past, played a vital role in pushing back against undemocratic practices.