A Communication Scholar and Doctoral Research Fellow, Emeka Odom, has expressed disappointment over the quality of campaigns witnessed in the ongoing Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, lamenting that many candidates appear more focused on attacking opponents than presenting clear plans and programmes for the electorate.
Odom made the remarks while speaking on Freedom Square Live, a programme aired on Solid 100.9 FM Enugu and hosted by Uchenna Cyril Anioke, where discussions centered on the ongoing Enugu North Senatorial By-Election.
According to Odom, Nigeria’s electoral system ought to have advanced beyond campaigns built around character assassination and attacks on political opponents. He argued that candidates should instead focus on presenting their manifestoes and convincing voters of what they intend to achieve if elected.
He maintained that citizens should equally hold elected representatives accountable for their promises and performance in office, stressing that legislative representation should be more about the ability to build networks, influence policy, and effectively market ideas that will benefit constituents.
Speaking on the strength of political parties in the election, Odom observed that while the ruling All Progressives Congress may currently enjoy a significant advantage, opposition parties should seize the opportunity provided by the election to showcase their programmes and demonstrate their capacity to govern.
He noted that many opposition parties have weakened themselves through internal crises, making it difficult for them to compete effectively. Referencing developments within major opposition parties, Odom argued that a vibrant democracy requires strong and credible alternatives, urging opposition parties to resolve their internal challenges and offer Nigerians meaningful choices.
The scholar also expressed concern over declining voter participation in Nigeria, describing voter apathy as one of the greatest challenges confronting the country’s democracy. He attributed the trend to growing public disappointment with governance and a widespread belief among many citizens that elections do not always translate into tangible improvements in their lives.
According to him, many Nigerians, particularly those in rural communities, judge democracy by its ability to improve livelihoods, provide security, create opportunities, and deliver development. He warned that unless citizens begin to see clear dividends of democracy, confidence in electoral participation may continue to decline.
Odom further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure timely and transparent transmission of election results, insisting that real-time publication of results remains crucial in strengthening public trust in the electoral process.
During the programme, the host, Anioke, contacted former Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area and political stakeholder, Christ Omeje, to obtain firsthand information from his ward on the conduct of the election.
Omeje commended INEC for what he described as a commendable performance in the conduct of the by-election, stating that electoral materials arrived on time, security arrangements were adequate, and voters were being encouraged by the process.
He reported that the exercise was peaceful and orderly, expressing optimism that the election would reflect the will of the people.
Later in the programme, Omeje again reached out to the studio and reaffirmed his earlier assessment, maintaining that the process remained peaceful and efficient. He subsequently scored INEC 90 percent for its handling of the election, citing the commission’s preparedness and organization.
However, Odom maintained a more cautious position, insisting that the ultimate test of the electoral process would be the outcome and transparency of the results. While acknowledging positive reports from the field, he argued that confidence in the election would only be fully established when the results are released and voters are satisfied that their votes genuinely counted.
He concluded by urging political actors, electoral authorities, and elected leaders to work collectively toward strengthening democratic institutions, restoring public trust in elections, and ensuring that every vote cast contributes meaningfully to the democratic process.