On the eve of Nigeria’s 2025 bye-elections, the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership has unveiled the Athena Election Observatory (AEO), a pioneering, non-partisan platform dedicated to strengthening electoral integrity through data-driven research and transparent post-election audits.
In line with its mission and ahead of tomorrow’s polls in 16 constituencies across 12 states, the AEO has deployed 50 trained staff to monitor INEC’s IReV portal in real time, capturing polling unit results (Form EC8A) for an independent process review.
“The Athena Election Observatory aligns with a growing global movement to improve electoral integrity through rigorous post-election audits. From the Risk-Limiting Audits in Colorado, USA, to post-election audits in Estonia’s digital voting system, and the Election Commission of Canada’s ballot verification reviews, nations increasingly use data-driven methods to strengthen trust in democracy. AEO brings that same spirit of transparency and accountability to Nigeria and Africa,” said Osita Chidoka, Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership.
The AEO builds on the Athena Centre’s widely acclaimed post-election reports in Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa, and Edo States—praised for their transparency and reliance on verifiable INEC data sourced from IReV and Freedom of Information requests. These reports set a new benchmark for independent election analysis in Nigeria.
As Africa’s first permanent nonpartisan electoral review platform, AEO will conduct independent election reviews in Nigeria and selected African countries, maintain a public calendar of global elections, track electoral trends and innovations, develop tools to measure electoral integrity, and convene high-level dialogues to drive reforms—without partisan advocacy.
The formal launch date of the Observatory will be announced shortly. At that event, AEO will present its inaugural report:
“Review of INEC’s Progress in Electoral Technology and Transparency 2015–2025: Lessons for Strengthening Nigeria’s Electoral Integrity”.
As part of our mission, the AEO calls on INEC to strengthen transparency in tomorrow’s exercise by publishing the BVAS accreditation data alongside the Form EC8A results on IReV. This step will significantly improve public confidence in the process.
We also urge political parties to monitor the process closely and keep secure, verifiable records of INEC forms from polling units through to collation centres. Furthermore, we appeal to security agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere at polling units and resist any attempts to intimidate party agents, particularly at collation centres.
The Athena Election Observatory reaffirms its commitment to promoting incredible, transparent electoral processes reflecting the people’s will.
Signed:
Aliyu Jalal
Media Adviser
Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership
Phone: +2348032725615
Email: info.centre@athenacentre.com
