Prof. Attahiru Jega (born 11 January 1957) is a Nigerian academic and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who transformed Nigeria's electoral system. Under his leadership from 2010 to 2015, INEC conducted the most credible elections in Nigeria's democratic history, introducing biometric voter registration, electronic result transmission, and other reforms that strengthened Nigeria's democracy. His integrity and commitment to free and fair elections earned him widespread respect and recognition.


ELECTORAL REFORM LEADERSHIP:
Jega was appointed Chairman of INEC in 2010, taking over an electoral commission that had been widely criticized for conducting flawed elections. Under his leadership, INEC implemented comprehensive reforms including biometric voter registration, permanent voter cards, and electronic result transmission. These reforms significantly improved the credibility of Nigeria's electoral process.

2011 AND 2015 ELECTIONS:
The 2011 and 2015 general elections conducted under Jega's leadership were widely recognized as the most credible in Nigeria's democratic history. International observers praised the elections for their transparency and fairness. The 2015 election was particularly significant as it marked the first peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another in Nigeria's history, a testament to the credibility of the electoral process.

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS:
Jega introduced numerous technological innovations to improve electoral integrity. The biometric voter registration system eliminated duplicate registrations and improved the accuracy of voter rolls. The permanent voter card system enhanced security and reduced electoral fraud. Electronic result transmission improved transparency and speed of result announcement.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE:
Before his appointment to INEC, Jega was a distinguished academic, serving as Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and has published extensively on governance, democracy, and development in Africa. His academic background informed his approach to electoral reform, emphasizing evidence-based policies and systematic improvements.

INTEGRITY AND INDEPENDENCE:
Throughout his tenure at INEC, Jega maintained strict independence from political influence, earning respect from across the political spectrum. He resisted pressure from political parties and government officials, ensuring that INEC operated independently and impartially. His integrity became a model for public service in Nigeria.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION:
Jega's achievements have been recognized internationally. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to democracy and electoral integrity. International organizations including the United Nations and the African Union have recognized his work. His electoral reforms have been studied and replicated in other African countries.

POST-INEC CONTRIBUTIONS:
After leaving INEC in 2015, Jega has continued to contribute to democracy and governance in Nigeria. He has served as a consultant to electoral commissions in other African countries and has been involved in initiatives promoting democratic governance. He continues to write and speak on issues of democracy and electoral reform.

LEGACY AND IMPACT:
Prof. Attahiru Jega's legacy is measured in the strengthened democracy he helped build. Through his leadership at INEC, he demonstrated that credible elections are possible in Nigeria. His reforms have become the foundation for subsequent electoral improvements, and his integrity has set a standard for public service. He has inspired a generation of Nigerians to believe in the possibility of free and fair elections.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 11 January 1957 in Jega, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
- Education: Ahmadu Bello University (Political Science), Northwestern University, USA (Ph.D. in Political Science).
- Key Achievement: Transformed Nigeria's electoral system as INEC Chairman (2010-2015).
- Electoral Reforms: Introduced biometric voter registration, permanent voter cards, electronic result transmission.
- Recognition: Conducted the most credible elections in Nigeria's democratic history (2011, 2015).
- Awards: Multiple international awards for contributions to democracy and electoral integrity.
- Notable: First peaceful transfer of power between political parties in Nigeria (2015).
- Impact: Strengthened Nigeria's democracy through credible electoral processes.