The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) is advocating for the removal of the President’s power to appoint the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Instead, IPAC proposes the establishment of an independent committee comprising representatives from political parties, civil society groups, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the National Assembly to handle such appointments. This call was made by IPAC President, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review in Abuja.
According to Dantalle, the current system undermines public trust in the electoral body. He argued that taking away the President’s power to appoint the INEC Chairman would promote fairness and transparency in elections. This reform is particularly significant in light of recurring complaints about the conduct of past polls. IPAC’s position is supported by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, who have also advocated for reforms in the INEC leadership appointment process to strengthen electoral credibility.
The Nigerian Muslim Youth Association (NMYA) has also urged the National Assembly to support a bill seeking to remove the President’s and state governors’ power to appoint electoral commissioners for INEC and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). NMYA President, Engr. Abdulraham Aliyu, emphasized that free and fair elections cannot be achieved as long as the President retains the power to appoint those who will oversee them.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed support for an independent INEC appointment process but opposes the idea of scrapping state electoral commissions. CISLAC argues that doing so would weaken Nigeria’s federal system. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives and Senate have reiterated their commitment to strengthening democratic governance and ensuring a level playing field for political parties.
These developments come amid reports confirming the resignation of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of INEC. The ongoing constitutional amendments aim to address concerns about the electoral process and restore citizens’ confidence in government. The creation of state police and local government autonomy are also being considered as vital to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and promoting democratic governance.
