Elections are imperfect, Fashola urges opposition to accept outcomes

Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Housing and Power, Babatunde Fashola, has called on Nigerians to view elections as imperfect processes and to prioritize strengthening democratic institutions over persistently disputing outcomes. Speaking at a public policy forum in Lagos as part of Democracy Day activities, Fashola argued that the sheer scale of nationwide elections makes absolute perfection unattainable.

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Elections are an imperfect event because they require a large logistical operation across a federation.

"Elections are an imperfect event because they require a large logistical operation across a federation," Fashola stated. He elaborated that conducting the same procedures simultaneously across thousands of polling units, often under varying conditions, presents inherent challenges that no electoral body can entirely eliminate. Fashola questioned how blame should be assigned when issues arise, especially given that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman cannot oversee every polling unit.

Fashola pointed out that electoral imperfections are not unique to Nigeria, citing established democracies that acknowledge such challenges while actively working to improve their systems. He suggested that mature democracies accept results despite flaws, focusing on institutional enhancement without eroding public confidence. "In other jurisdictions, they accept these imperfections and aspire to improve, but they also accept the results," he said.

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In other jurisdictions, they accept these imperfections and aspire to improve, but they also accept the results.

The former minister expressed concern over the growing tendency to reject election results, warning that such attitudes could impede democratic progress and stability. He believes that an unwillingness to accept outcomes blinds unsuccessful candidates from embracing the crucial role of opposition, which is vital for societal development. Fashola stressed that democracy encompasses more than just elections, urging citizens and political actors to contribute to national development regardless of electoral results.

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It seems to me that an unwillingness to accept the outcome of an election perhaps blinds the unsuccessful participants from seeking and taking up the role of opposition for the development of society.