As the tenure of the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, draws to a close, the nation once again finds itself at a crossroads. The impending appointment of a new INEC Chairman presents Nigeria with an opportunity to reform its electoral system and restore the confidence of citizens in the body saddled with the responsibility of conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
Over the years, concerns have persisted about the credibility of INEC, not only in the conduct of elections but also in the process of appointing its leadership. At present, the appointment of the INEC Chairman and National Commissioners rests squarely with the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate. While this arrangement may appear constitutional, it has consistently raised doubts about the true independence of the Commission, especially when appointees are perceived to be sympathetic to the ruling party or its interests.
If Nigeria is to deepen its democracy, the process must change. The appointment of the INEC Chairman and Commissioners should be taken out of the hands of the President. Instead, such powers should be vested in the National Judicial Council (NJC), an institution less entangled in partisan politics. The NJC, in turn, should consult widely with civil society organisations, professional bodies, and other stakeholders before forwarding nominations to the National Assembly. This would allow for broader input, transparency, and legitimacy.
Furthermore, the confirmation of nominees should not be left to one chamber of the legislature. A joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives should be mandated to either approve or reject the nomination of the INEC Chairman, ensuring a higher threshold of consensus and national acceptability.
Equally critical is the need to set clear eligibility criteria. Neither the INEC Chairman nor any of the Commissioners should have held elective office in the past. More importantly, they must not be affiliated with any political party, whether currently or in recent history. Only individuals with proven integrity, competence, and neutrality should be entrusted with the sacred duty of managing Nigeria’s elections.
Another area that demands urgent reform is INEC’s funding. Currently, the Commission’s budget passes through the executive arm before reaching the legislature. This undermines its independence and exposes it to undue influence. To strengthen INEC’s autonomy, its budget should be transmitted directly to the National Assembly for scrutiny and passage. Financial independence is as crucial as administrative neutrality in safeguarding the Commission’s credibility.
As the build-up to the 2027 general elections gathers momentum, the urgency of these reforms cannot be overstated. Nigerians are watching. The international community is also paying close attention to how Nigeria handles this critical transition. Will the process remain business as usual, or will the country seize this opportunity to strengthen its democracy?
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly has a unique chance to etch their name in history by supporting constitutional and legislative amendments that will entrench genuine independence for INEC. Such a move would not only enhance the credibility of future elections but also reassure Nigerians that their votes truly count.
The credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process rests heavily on the integrity of INEC. Reforming the appointment procedure and granting the Commission full independence is the surest way to regain public trust. Anything short of this would be a disservice to the nation and its democratic aspirations.
Tochukwu Jimo Obi,jimobi83@gmail.com
