Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has defended the role of university professors in Nigeria’s electoral process, saying they bring integrity despite attempts by politicians to bribe them.
Speaking at The Platform event on Democracy Day, Jega acknowledged that while a few professors have been prosecuted for electoral misconduct, the vast majority uphold their reputations and reject inducements.
“A vice chancellor with decades of service and nearing retirement won’t easily compromise their integrity,” Jega said, noting that only two professors have faced conviction, which he described as statistically insignificant.
Jega introduced the use of academics as returning officers during his tenure at INEC, arguing that they remain more trustworthy than many other public professionals. “Politicians will always attempt inducement, but that doesn’t mean we discard a system that has largely worked,” he added.
