The House of Representatives is moving to strip the President of the power to appoint the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a prerogative that has long stirred controversy and allegations of bias.
The proposal, part of an ambitious constitutional amendment led by the House Committee on Constitution Review, seeks to transfer the authority to appoint the INEC Chairman and National Commissioners to the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The bill, if passed, would upend a decades-old process seen by critics as a major source of executive interference in Nigeria’s electoral system. Instead, it offers a new framework that favours transparency, merit, and public accountability — key recommendations that date back to the 2007 Uwais Electoral Reform Panel.
“We must ensure that those who oversee our elections are themselves products of a democratic and transparent process,” said Rep. Idris Wase, a member of the review committee. “This is not a political manoeuvre — it’s about safeguarding the credibility of our republic.”
Civil society groups have hailed the move as long overdue. Under the banner of a “Credibility Threshold” framework, they are demanding a rigorous appointment process, including public hearings, conflict of interest checks, and asset declarations.
“This is not just an INEC issue — it’s about who gets to control our democracy,” said Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa. “The President cannot be allowed to appoint the referee in an election where he fields a team.”
The draft bill proposes:
The NJC will shortlist and recommend candidates for INEC leadership positions.
A 14-day public petition window will allow citizens to object to any nominee.
The Senate will confirm nominees through public vetting and hearings.
Nominees must declare political affiliations and assets, with provisions to screen for conflicts of interest.
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani of CISLAC said the proposal marks a break from “cosmetic reform,” adding: “We need institutions that can stand above political capture.”
However, some legal and civil society voices have sounded caution over the reforms, questioning whether the NJC — itself a product of elite structures — can remain independent.
“We’re merely shifting the locus of control,” said constitutional lawyer Abdul Mahmud. “Unless the NJC is itself reformed, we may just be rearranging the same pieces on a flawed board.”
Joe Okei-Odumakin, President of Women Arise, called for the integration of citizens’ panels to ensure popular participation in the appointment process. “Without people power, reforms risk becoming elite rituals.”
Despite growing public support, the bill faces a steep constitutional hurdle. To become law, it must pass by a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and win the approval of 24 out of Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly — a requirement that has derailed similar efforts in the past.
Still, analysts believe this attempt may carry stronger momentum, especially amid declining public trust in electoral bodies and ahead of the critical 2027 general elections.
“With voter apathy rising and legitimacy of elections frequently questioned, lawmakers know they must act boldly if they are to restore confidence,” said Dr. Eno Edem of the Centre for Democratic Studies.
The proposed reform also comes amid calls for similar changes in the appointment of the Inspector General of Police and service chiefs — posts still firmly under presidential control.
Yabagi Sani, Chairman of the Advanced Democratic Party, said, “If we are serious about democracy, we must go all the way. Electoral and security institutions must be insulated from the whims of any sitting president.”
Whether the proposal succeeds or fails, observers say it reflects a significant shift in Nigeria’s political climate — from executive dominance to a growing demand for institutional neutrality and democratic accountability.
As one civil rights advocate put it: “This is not just about amending a law. It’s about returning oxygen to Nigeria’s democracy.”
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