Reps Push to Strip President of Power to Appoint INEC Chair
Reps Push to Strip President of Power to Appoint INEC Chair
The House of Representatives is considering a bill that seeks to remove the President’s power to appoint the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The bill, which has passed its first reading, aims to amend the Constitution to transfer the responsibility of appointing the INEC Chairman and Commissioners to a more independent body.
This proposed change is intended to shield the electoral commission from executive influence and to improve public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process. Concerns over the neutrality of INEC have lingered for years, particularly because its leadership is currently appointed by the President, who is a political actor and often a candidate in elections.
The new proposal suggests that appointments to INEC should be made by a committee made up of representatives from the judiciary, civil society, and the legislature. Supporters of the bill believe that removing presidential influence will enhance the credibility and transparency of elections.
The bill has drawn mixed reactions. Many civil society organizations and opposition figures have praised the initiative as a step toward electoral reform. They argue that a neutral appointment process is essential for free and fair elections. On the other hand, some lawmakers and political insiders have criticized the bill, expressing concerns that it might complicate the process and introduce new forms of political interference.
The bill now proceeds to the committee stage, where it will be subjected to further debate and possible revision. If it successfully passes through the National Assembly and gains approval from two-thirds of the state legislatures, it would mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral governance.
The move reflects growing pressure on Nigeria’s political institutions to deliver reforms that strengthen democracy and restore citizens’ confidence in the electoral system.
