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INEC Proposes Constitutional Reforms to End Presidential Appointment of Electoral Commissioners

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago09 mins

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is proposing amendments to Nigeria’s electoral framework that would strip the President of the power to appoint the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). The proposed change would instead give the commission power to make this appointments, though with a different nomenclature to be known as State Directors of Elections. The commission is also pushing for the introduction of electronically downloadable voters’ cards to replace the use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Specifically, the commission is seeking amendments to Section 14 (3) Paragraph F of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution to confer the power of appointing and disciplining Heads of State and FCT Offices of INEC on the commission. INEC is also proposing amendment to Section 6 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022 to confer the power of appointing Heads of State and FCT Offices on the Commission. According to INEC, these heads of state would be known as State Directors of Elections. Special Adviser to the INEC chairman, Mohammad Kuna, disclosed this in his presentation at a retreat with the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters on the reform of the electoral legal framework held in Lagos on Monday. He said the proposal is essential to promote transparency, accountability and efficiency in the electoral process. Currently, the REC is the person in charge of INEC office at the state level. The REC who is assisted by relevant government agencies, undertakes the Presidential, National Assembly, Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in a state and acts pursuant to powers delegated to him or her by INEC’s national Chairman and 12 Commissioners. Among the duties of the REC is to make available all the materials required to conduct an election. The REC also monitors the activities of all ad hoc staff and provides for proper verification of election results Currently, the appointment of RECs, who oversee the electoral process in each state, is within the president’s purview according to Section 154 (1) of the 1999 constitution. Section 6 (1) of the Electoral Act reads: “There is established in each State of the Federation, Federal Capital Territory and Local Government Area, an office of the Commission Which shall perform such functions as may be assigned to it by the Commission. “(2) A person appointed to the office of a Resident Electoral Commissioner shall (a) be answerable to the Commission ; and (b) hold office for a term of five years from the date of his or her appointment which may be renewable for another term of five years and no more. “(3) The Resident Electoral Commissioner appointed under the Constitution may only be removed by the President, acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that the Resident Electoral Commissioner be so removed for inability to perform the functions of the office, whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause, or for misconduct. But according to the document presented by Kuna sighted by the Guardian, developments in the recent past and especially during and in the aftermath of the 2023 General election suggest the need for the Commission to have greater powers to make appointments to the heads of State and FCT Offices. The proposal will also confer INEC the power to discipline erring RECs. Aside from this, the commission is also proposing amendment of Sections 77 (2), 117 (1), 132 (5) and 178 (5) of the 1999 Constitution to provide for early, special, Out-of-Country, diaspora and inmates voting. The document said this will allow the country to introduce early/special voting to cater for eligible voters on essential services, election personnel as well as voters under incarceration, those in the diaspora and out-of-country voting for eligible Nigerians outside the country during elections. Another key proposal by INEC is the amendment of Sections 153 (1), 154 (3), 156 (1, a), 157 (2), 158 (1), and 160 (1) and the Third Schedule, Paragraph 15 (b – d) of the 1999 Constitution to create the Electoral Offences Commission and (b) Political Party Regulatory Agency. The commission is also seeking theamendment of sections 48, 49, 71 ant 91 of the 1999 Constitution by Providing New Provisions for Special Seats for Women and PwDs “While the Commission should continue to work with all Political Parties for greater participation of under-represented groups in elective positions, the surest way to achieve that objective is through affirmative action.This should be backed by a clear provision of the law that may, for instance, create designated constituencies for such groups, especially women and persons with Disability”, the document stated. The commission is also proposing to the National Assembly to: “Amend Sections of EA 2022 to Remove Ambiguities/Cross-Referencing Errors(a) Section 60 (5) refers to ‘transfer’ of results while 64 (4 & 5) spoke about ‘direct transmission’; (b) Section 64 (4a & 5) refers to 47 (2) with regards the transmission of results; yet 47 (2) makes no reference to the transmission of results; (c) there are similar ambiguities identified in Sections 29 (1), 75 (3) & (4), 77(3), 131 (5) & (6) and 132 (5-10) of the Electoral Act, 2022 detailed in the submission of the Commission. “Amend Section 65 (1) to Provide Clarity on the Commission’s Powers to Review Election Results. Create a caveat in Section 65 (1) to provide that the triggers to the review of results should be instances of declarations made under duress. “Review Sections 47 (1) and 16 (1, 2 & 4) on the Design, Printing, Control, Issuance and Use of PVCs. Review Section 47 (1) as well as 16 (1, 2 & 4) to Modify Requirements for the Use of PVCs to Allow for the Introduction of Electronically Downloadable Voters’ Card or Any Other Form of ID Acceptable to the Commission.

Labour Party Submits Supreme Court Judgement on Leadership to INEC

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago01 mins

A high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP), led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja to discuss key developments within the party. During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership. He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the LP’s current structure. The delegation was received by INEC’s Acting Chairman, Mr. Sam Olumekun, and other National Commissioners. Both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values. Mr. Olumekun reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

Humphrey Nwosu Deserves National Honour, Says INEC Chairman Amid Torrents of Tributes

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago08 mins

Torrents of tributes and recollection of fond memories filled the air at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) headquarters, Abuja on 24th March 2025 as retired directors, management and staff of the Commission hosted the family of its former Chairman, Prof Humphrey Nwosu to an Afternoon of Tributes to celebrate the late Nwosu who passed on in October last year., The event was the first of its kind. The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu set the tone for the event when he chronicled Nwosu’s contributions and accomplishments during his four-year term as Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). He averred that like his six predecessors and seven successors, Nwosu had what he described as the “arduous task” of managing elections in an extremely challenging context which did not deter him from introducing many innovations in election management. He affirmed that Nwosu laid the foundation for the Commission’s independence by initiating the current three-layer structure with offices at national, state and local government levels On electoral innovations, the INEC Chairman observed that Nwosu’s tenure became synonymous with the Open Ballot System (popularly referred to as Option A4) in which voters queued up behind the symbol of the party of their choice to vote and to be physically counted. Prof Yakubu regretted that despite doing his best, the former Chairman was not always appreciated by many, including those that appointed him under “an infinite transition from military rule to democracy which ended in the annulment of the presidential election held in 1993, resulting in the dissolution of the elecrtoral commission and the emergence of an interim government”. But with the passage of time, he said, the 1993 election conducted by the late Nwosu is now celebrated as one of the best while those who annulled it have expressed regret. Continuing, Prof Yakubu said: “A quarter of a century (25 years) later in June 2018, the presumed winner of the 1993 Presidential election, Chief M. K. O. Abiola, received the highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), posthumously. His running mate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, was conferred with the second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). The date of the election (June 12th, 1993) has been gazetted as a national holiday and appropriately named as Democracy Day. “Sadly, the electoral commission that conducted the election which was personified by Professor Nwosu received only a muffled commendation as if no one conducted the election. Surely, the election did not conduct itself. It was organised by a Commission made up of Commissioners and a Chairman. If it was an oversight that Professor Nwosu was not honoured in his lifetime, it is never late for the appropriate authority to do so posthumously.” Other tributes flowed from all quarters. Mr. Emmanuel Ademola Johnson, a retired Director and Administrative Secretary in Lagos (1993), remembered Prof. Nwosu as an astute, erudite leader whose openness to innovation birthed the Option A4 system—a mechanism that significantly reduced electoral fraud. “His name deserves to be etched in gold,” Johnson declared, joining the growing chorus advocating for a posthumous national award. Prof. Tonnie Iredia, the pioneer Director of the Public Affairs Department, painted the picture of a tireless workaholic, while Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, hailed him as an “election warrior”. James Chidawa, former Chief Personnel Officer for Security and Intelligence, highlighted Prof. Nwosu’s exceptional crisis management skills, while Pastor Regina Omo-Agege, former Director of Election and Party Monitoring Department, remembered him as the rare combination of scholar, patriot, and man of unshakable integrity. Yet, amid the celebration of achievements, sobering reflections emerged about contemporary challenges. Mr. Victor Aluko, a retired Director of Voter Education, acknowledged INEC’s progress while lamenting how political interference continues to undermine electoral integrity – a betrayal of Nwosu’s legacy. He urged politicians to allow the electoral process flow smoothly without interference. The human dimension of Prof. Nwosu’s leadership shone through Mallam Halliru Aminu’s recollection of his extraordinary commitment to staff welfare, prioritizing housing and benefits for INEC employees. This human touch complemented his professional achievements, creating a holistic picture of a leader who cared as deeply about people as he did about processes. Dr. Chukwuemeka Ugboaja, a retired Deputy Director in the Voter Education and Publicity Department described Nwosu as “a true hero of democracy,” suggesting that the ultimate tribute would be naming INEC Headquarters after him. The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mallam Yusuf Dantalle added a historical perspective, noting how Prof. Nwosu achieved electoral excellence despite operating without the legal framework. He pledged to continue to uphold his vision. Responding on behalf of the family, Engr. Nnaemeka Nwosu, the late sage’s son, expressed gratitude for the recognition and accolades, while urging INEC staff to have faith in Nigeria’s democratic future. “We must build a Nigeria that the future generations will be proud of,” he said.

Senate Passes Bill for Same-Day General Elections

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

A bill aimed at empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct all general elections on the same day has passed its second reading in the Senate. The bill, which seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022, is designed to reduce the high costs associated with elections, shorten campaign periods, and allow elected officials to serve as ad hoc delegates in party congresses. Senator Saliu Mustapha, who led the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, pointed out the unsustainable rise in election costs, which have grown from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023. He stressed that the current staggered election system is financially burdensome and inefficient, contributing to voter fatigue and low turnout. According to Mustapha, holding all elections on the same day would save costs, increase voter participation, and reduce political tension. While the proposal received support from several senators, some expressed reservations about INEC’s capacity to manage nationwide elections in a single day. Senator Adams Oshiomhole cautioned that the reform should not be rushed, urging lawmakers to consider INEC’s preparedness for such an undertaking. He also raised concerns about the potential confusion caused by multiple ballots, particularly for illiterate voters. The bill will undergo further scrutiny in the coming weeks, as the Senate evaluates its implications for Nigeria’s electoral process.

INEC Makes U-turn, Accepts Senator Natasha Recall Petition

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the contacts of the petitioners for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have been provided. The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday. “Further to the statement issued yesterday, Tuesday 25th March 2025, the Commission hereby confirms that the contact address of representatives of the petitioners, their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses have now been provided in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Commission dated today Wednesday 26th March 2025. “As provided in Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, a letter has been written to notify the Senator sought to be recalled about the receipt of the petition and delivered to her official address. The same letter has been copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and published on the Commission’s website. “The next step is to scrutinise the list of signatories submitted by the petitioners to ascertain that the petition is signed by more than one half (over 50%) of the registered voters in the Constituency. This will be done in the coming days. The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission. “We once again reassure Nigerians that the process will be open and transparent,” the statement reads.

INEC Rejects Senator Natasha Akpoti Recall

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the recall process of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District at the 10th Assembly. The Commission’s National Commissioner & Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, stated this in a statement signed and made available on Tuesday. Olumekun revealed that the Commission held its regular weekly meeting on Tuesday 25th March 2025. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. “The process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, available on our website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework. “The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene. “The Commission’s immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines. The address given is “Okene, Kogi State”, which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of “the lead petitioner” is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners. “The Commission wished to reiterate that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them. Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in our regulations, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each Polling Unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only. The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). “Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines. In the absence of a definite contact address, the Commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation,” the statement reads. The Commission reassured the public that it will be guided by the legal framework for recall. The public should therefore discountenance any speculations and insinuations in the social media.

LGA Elections: Gov. Adeleke craves for peaceful process

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged politicians to embrace peaceful process ahead of the State’s Local Government Elections slated for February 22, 2025. The Governor in a post on his official X handle called all the candidates to engage the electorate with their agenda, focusing on issues rather than resorting to violence or coercion. His words; “As a government, we remain committed to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. We have closely monitored the preparatory activities of the state electoral commission and reaffirm our respect for its independence in conducting a transparent electoral process. “Osun State boasts a highly educated population, with literacy at an all-time high. This is not a state where falsehood thrives. Our people read, analyze, and understand court rulings and political developments. I encourage every eligible voter to prepare for February 22nd an opportunity to elect council chairmen and councilors of their choice. “However, we have received credible reports of plots by certain opposition elements to instigate unrest. Let me issue a clear and strong warning: desist from such actions, as the consequences will be grave. As the Chief Security Officer of this state, I have directed security agencies to deal decisively with any individual or group attempting to disrupt the peace, in line with the rule of law. Osun will not be plunged into needless conflict. “Democracy is about ballots, not violence. On February 22, go to the polls, cast your votes, and express your preferences peacefully. Osun remains a stronghold of democracy, and we stand ready to protect our democratic values.”

Bribery case: SERAP orders INEC to enforce judgement against Governors

Our Reporters8 months ago8 months ago01 mins

The Social-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has handed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu seven days to enforce judgement on bribery case against State Governors. SERAP gave this deadline on its social media platforms on Sunday. “We’ve given Professor Yakubu, INEC chair 7 days to enforce the judgment ordering INEC to pursue cases of bribery against state governors and their deputies, and other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections, or face contempt charge.” The deadline is believed to have began today (Sunday).