TECHNOLOGY, A POWERFUL TOOL IN CURBING ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE, POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA - HON. MINISTER KINGSLEY UDEH.

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has identified technological innovation as a critical instrument for curbing electoral malpractice, reducing political violence and strengthening democratic governance in the country.

Udeh made this submission while speaking at the sixth edition of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards, organised by Pacesetter Frontier Magazine in Abuja, where he was honoured with the prestigious Public Sector Person of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to public service.

The Minister noted that Nigeria’s gradual transition from predominantly manual electoral procedures to technology-assisted processes had contributed significantly to addressing some longstanding electoral irregularities, including ballot snatching and ballot stuffing.

According to him, the integration of technology into electoral administration represents an important step towards improving electoral transparency, strengthening public confidence and safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process.

Highlighting the transformative potential of technological advancement, Udeh maintained that innovation could play a significant role in addressing vulnerabilities within Nigeria's electoral system.

He explained that the transition towards technology-supported voter registration and voting procedures had helped reduce certain forms of electoral manipulation, demonstrating the importance of sustained investment in science, technology and innovation.

His position reinforces the broader argument that technology should not merely serve as an instrument of economic development but also as a strategic resource for strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance.

Beyond technological interventions, the Minister emphasised the importance of continuous public enlightenment and civic engagement in building a peaceful and politically responsible society.

He called on political parties and candidates to embrace issue-based campaigns, insisting that electoral victories should be secured through convincing policy proposals, constructive engagement and the ability to win the confidence of voters rather than intimidation, aggression or violence.

“The fact that we’re doing public engagement on issues of election, how electioneering should be issue-based, not bringing violence, but speaking to the people to win their hearts and win their votes. And that is the way that it ought to be,” Udeh stated.

His remarks underscore the need for a political culture where ideas, development-oriented policies and credible leadership take precedence over electoral hostility and political intimidation.

Expressing optimism about the country's democratic evolution, Udeh observed that Nigeria was gradually moving towards an electoral environment where political parties and candidates would increasingly be assessed based on their policy direction, developmental agenda and capacity to address citizens' concerns.

The Minister's intervention highlights the intersection between technological innovation, democratic accountability and peaceful political participation.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its science, technology and innovation ecosystem under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the advocacy for technology-driven electoral reforms presents another dimension of how innovation can contribute to national development.

For Udeh, the future of Nigerian democracy should be defined not by the capacity to deploy violence or manipulate electoral outcomes, but by the ability to present credible ideas, earn public trust and win the mandate of the people through peaceful democratic engagement.

SPOTLIGHT ONLINE NEWS