By Tony Okafor
The recent arrest of Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, newly elected chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on charges linked to a $3.3 million romance scam, is a strong evidence to the rot that pervades our political system.
This scandal is particularly galling given that Nwadialo’s election was part of the widely criticized September 28 local government election in Anambra State, which resembled a selection rather than an election.
The fact that someone facing 14 counts of wire fraud and potentially up to 20 years in prison was allowed to hold public office is a travesty. It is a signpost for urgent need for genuine electoral reforms that will ensure citizens’ voices are heard and their votes count.
Nigeria’s electoral system is broken and needs fixing. Inaction will continue to perpetuate corrupt leaders, erode public trust, undermine democratic institutions, and disgrace the nation.
To prevent similar scandals, Nigeria’s electoral system requires transparency, guaranteeing full citizen participation in electing leaders.
Since every election is local, adopting Professor Humphrey Nwosu’s innovative Option A4 Electoral System is crucial for free and fair elections.
This system, where voters openly queue behind preferred candidates, effectively exposes societal ills and eliminates electoral manipulation, despite past criticism.
By adopting Option A4, Nigeria can prevent electoral malpractices and foster transparency.
Thugs and vote-buying schemes will be ineffective, ensuring the true will of the people is reflected in election outcomes.
Open queuing and public counting eliminate hidden agendas and electoral fraud.
In uncertain times, revisiting proven solutions is prudent.
Crucial electoral reforms are essential for free and fair elections.
Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when citizens have a voice and their votes count.
The Ogbaru episode serves as a wake-up call. We must reclaim our democracy and consider alternative electoral systems, such as Humphrey Nwosu’s Option A4. Every society knows their people.
