Chris Okpoko
As the tenure of the current chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, is set to elapse by November 2025; It was reported in the media that New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain, Buba Galadima, has warned that Nigeria could face civil unrest if the federal government goes ahead with an alleged plan to appoint a retired Court of Appeal judge as chairman of the INEC. According to the NNPP chieftain, there were widespread rumours that the government was considering the appointment of the retired judge, whom he described as “notorious.”
Similarly, the former Governor of Rivers state, Celestine Omehia, while speaking recently about his new book, entitled ‘Restructuring Nigeria: The Way Forward ’, has endorsed the call for the appointment of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission via election, rather than presidential selection. Mr Omehia insisted that the independence of INEC from the executive branch of government must be examined. He recommended that the chairman of INEC should be appointed via an elective process.
It is against this background that the importance of an independent electoral commission cannot be overstated; it forms the bedrock of a robust democracy. In Nigeria, the INEC plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections. However, questions surrounding its independence persist, which in turn influence public confidence in electoral processes. One of the core areas that requires reform is the appointment process of the INEC Chairman. Therefore, this article discusses several strategies to ensure the independence of INEC, with a special focus on how the process of appointing the Commission’s Chairman can be reformed to strengthen its autonomy.
INEC is tasked with organizing, conducting, and supervising elections in Nigeria. It is expected to act impartially, without undue influence from political parties, government officials, or other entities. Unfortunately, various challenges undermine its effectiveness. Key among these is the perception of partisanship, largely driven by the appointment process of its leadership. Often, the appointment of the INEC Chairman is influenced by political considerations rather than qualifications or integrity, leading to doubts about the Commission’s ability to conduct unbiased elections.
To enhance the independence of INEC, it is crucial to establish a transparent and merit-based appointment process for its Chairman. Currently, the President of Nigeria appoints the Chairman, subject to the confirmation of the Senate. While this process holds some democratic value, it also leaves room for political maneuvering. Making the appointment process less dependent on political interests could significantly contribute to INEC’s credibility.
One effective way to reform the appointment of the INEC Chairman is to set up a selection committee composed of diverse stakeholders. This committee could include representatives from civil society, legal experts, academia, and reputable members of the public. By ensuring diverse representation, the selection committee would reduce the likelihood of political bias during the appointment process. Such committees could be charged with developing criteria based on qualifications, experience, and integrity, allowing them to shortlist candidates who genuinely reflect these attributes.
Another strategy would involve instituting a fixed single term for the INEC Chairman and ensuring that reappointment is not contingent upon political favor. A single term of six years, with no possibility for reappointment, could help shield the Chairman from political pressures. Fixed terms would allow the Chairman to operate independently, focusing more on their duty to uphold electoral integrity rather than securing their position through political patronage.
The independence of the INEC does not solely hinge on the appointment of its Chairman; it also requires strong legal foundations. Adequate legislation must be enacted to define the powers and roles of the Commission clearly. Laws governing electoral processes should:
Clearly outline the operational framework of INEC.
Protect the Commission from arbitrary interference by the executive branch of government.
Establish penalties for any misconduct or attempts to undermine the independence of INEC officials.
This legal protection is essential, as it fortifies the Commission’s authority and reinforces public trust in its operations.
Financial dependence on the government compromises the autonomy of INEC. For the Commission to operate independently, its funding should be insulated from political influences. This can be achieved by institutionalizing a dedicated electoral fund, sourced from the national budget but allocated directly to INEC, independent of the annual budgetary approval processes. This measure would help ensure that the Commission has adequate resources to carry out its mandate without fear of financial repercussions tied to political circumstances.
For the public to have faith in the Commission’s independence, transparency, and accountability must be emphasized. Regular, open forums should be established, allowing citizens to engage with INEC and voice their concerns regarding electoral processes. Furthermore, a mechanism for reporting grievances about electoral misconduct should be implemented, ensuring that complaints are addressed promptly and thoroughly. This openness would not only enhance public confidence but also hold INEC accountable for its actions.
Engagement from civil society organizations (CSOs) is crucial for fostering an independent electoral body. CSOs can serve as watchdogs, monitoring electoral processes and advocating for reforms. Their input and involvement in training programs, public awareness campaigns, and election monitoring not only help raise awareness of INEC’s independence but also empower citizens to demand better governance. The active participation of CSOs can create an environment where INEC operates with greater accountability and responsiveness.
Technology can play a transformative role in enhancing the credibility of INEC. Implementing secure electronic voting systems and utilizing online platforms for voter registration can help bypass traditional constraints with manual processes. Moreover, technological tools can facilitate data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring real-time oversight of electoral processes. This would bolster the Commission’s ability to operate independently and transparently.
To truly ensure INEC’s independence, a focused effort to educate the public about its roles, significance, and ongoing reforms is essential. By cultivating a culture of understanding and valuing electoral integrity, citizens can advocate for their rights and support the independence of institutions like INEC. Educational campaigns should utilize mass media, community participation, and social media to reach a wider audience, ultimately strengthening democratic principles.
In conclusion, the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission is critical for the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Reforming the process of appointing its Chairman is a fundamental step towards achieving this goal. Through establishing a selection committee, implementing a fixed single term, strengthening legal frameworks, ensuring financial independence, increasing transparency, encouraging civil society engagement, leveraging technology, and fostering public education, INEC can emerge as a truly independent institution. These measures will not only restore public faith in the electoral process but also contribute to a more representative and accountable governance system in Nigeria. As citizens, policymakers, and stakeholders unite to champion these reforms, the vision of a free and fair electoral system can become a compelling reality.