Publisher of Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu, has expressed concern over the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the electoral body has lost the confidence of many Nigerians.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Momodu argued that INEC must work harder to restore public trust, describing the commission as “impotent” in the eyes of many citizens due to what he called repeated failures in the conduct of elections.

“I think INEC has a lot of work to do and a lot of ground to cover for the majority of Nigerians to believe they are serious as an umpire,” he said.

Momodu added that many Nigerians remain sceptical of the commission because of past electoral experiences, noting that despite the enormous resources allocated to INEC, the agency has continued to disappoint public expectations.

Drawing on a Yoruba proverb to illustrate public distrust, he said many citizens now view the electoral body with suspicion because of previous disappointments.

The media entrepreneur also pointed to the build-up to the August 15 Osun State governorship election, arguing that the political atmosphere already resembles a conflict despite the poll involving only one of Nigeria’s 36 states.

He alleged that security personnel had been deployed to the state while political actors were also mobilising thugs, a situation he said reflects growing tension ahead of the election.

Momodu contrasted the current electoral environment with Nigeria’s June 12, 1993 presidential election, which he described as peaceful and well conducted, lamenting what he sees as a decline in the country’s electoral process.

According to him, Nigeria’s democracy should be progressing rather than deteriorating, insisting that the credibility of electoral institutions depends largely on the commitment of political leaders to free, fair and transparent elections.