Remove Presidential Powers In Appointing INEC Leadership To Strengthen Elections – IPAC

The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has called for the establishment of an Independent Appointment Committee to oversee appointments into the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The Council argued that removing the president’s power to appoint the electoral body’s leadership would strengthen its independence and credibility.

Speaking at the consultative meeting, which was organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review, IPAC, the Chairman, Dr Yusuf Dantalle also urged that INEC take full responsibility for all 774 local government elections, replacing the State Independent Electoral Commissions.

According to the council, the move will ensure free and fair grassroots elections, encourage citizen participation, and curb undue influence from ruling parties at the state level.

Other proposals included reinstating public funding for political parties to promote transparency, establishing an Electoral Offences Commission to prosecute vote buyers, ballot snatching, falsification of results, and other electoral crimes, and instituting a process for political parties to fill vacant legislative seats caused by defection or death without holding expensive by-elections.

Dr. Dantalle, also called for constitutional measures to improve women’s representation in governance, strengthen judicial independence, and safeguard human rights.

He said these reforms are critical to creating an inclusive democracy where all citizens have equal opportunities and protections under the law.

Dantalle highlighted the need to address flaws observed in past elections.

“Our democracy will be stronger if the electoral system is credible, elections are transparent, and citizens feel represented at all levels,” he said.

IPAC emphasized that these reforms, particularly in the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution, are essential in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The council also stressed the importance of timely implementation, warning that delayed reforms could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The meeting brought together leaders of political parties from across Nigeria, including national chairmen, secretaries, and women leaders, reflecting a broad-based commitment to dialogue on constitutional and electoral reforms.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji