The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition parties have been urged to overhaul their electoral strategies to protect votes and ensure credible elections in Nigeria’s challenging political environment.
Dr. Basil Nwolisa, Chairman of the Rescue Nigeria Alliance (RNA), described the 2023 elections as a wake-up call for the ADC, stressing that lessons learned must shape preparations for future contests.
“Stationing trustworthy, unbought individuals at polling units is crucial,” Dr. Nwolisa said. “Without reliable agents on the ground, our votes remain vulnerable to manipulation.”
The RNA chairman emphasized the party’s vibrant youth support groups as a potential game-changer, capable of mobilizing and monitoring polling units effectively.
Dr. Nwolisa outlined that identifying and training loyal, tech-savvy youths for Polling Unit Agent roles should be a top priority.
Such individuals could serve as the frontline in protecting the electoral process.
Equipping these agents with real-time reporting tools is another key step, according to Dr. Nwolisa, who stressed that timely communication of irregularities can prevent widespread vote tampering.
He called for the implementation of a robust monitoring system, arguing that technology must play a central role in modern elections. “We can no longer rely solely on manual oversight; digital tracking is essential,” he said.
Beyond training, Dr. Nwolisa urged the ADC to engage directly with youth support groups to incentivize agents, ensuring commitment and accountability during elections.
The chairman warned that Nigeria’s political environment remains hostile for opposition parties, making strategic planning and internal discipline non-negotiable.
“Opposition parties cannot be reactive,” he added. “Proactive measures, informed by past experiences, are what will safeguard our democracy.”
Dr. Nwolisa also highlighted the importance of youth participation in elections, noting that active involvement of young Nigerians could reshape political outcomes and strengthen democratic governance.
He suggested that parties adopt data-driven approaches, including digital platforms to report discrepancies, monitor results, and respond to emerging issues quickly.
Collaboration with civil society organizations and independent monitors was another key recommendation, aiming to create a transparent and credible electoral ecosystem.
“The responsibility of election integrity extends beyond any single party,” Dr. Nwolisa said. “It is a collective duty to the nation and to the future of democracy.”
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Nwolisa issued a rallying call: “The future of ADC and Nigerian democracy depends on how seriously we take this challenge. Let’s mobilize, strategize, and ensure that every vote counts.”
