The debate over Nigeria’s electoral process took a new turn in Abuja as the School of Social and Political Thought recommended sweeping constitutional amendments to bar political party members and government appointees from holding positions in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking at a dialogue on its National Action Plan for Electoral Reform, the group’s Director, Dr. Sam Amadi, stressed that only non-partisan Nigerians should be entrusted with INEC leadership roles. He proposed a five-year restriction period for anyone who has held political party leadership positions, government appointments, or even party membership before they can be considered for appointment as INEC Chairman, Commissioners, or Resident Electoral Commissioners.
Amadi added that the reforms should also prevent outgoing INEC officials from joining political parties or accepting political appointments for at least five years after completing their tenure. He argued that these measures would restore trust in the electoral umpire and help address public concerns about impartiality.
In his presentation, Amadi also revived a key recommendation from the Justice Uwais electoral reform report, which called for the transfer of appointment powers from the President to the National Judicial Council, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.
The group’s proposals go beyond appointments. They include the electronic transmission of polling unit results to a secure INEC portal, immediate public release of signed results after counting, and the expansion of legal standing so that voters, credible citizens, and candidates can challenge election outcomes when substantial violations occur.
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Labour leaders also weighed in. The Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, urged lawmakers to act swiftly on electoral reforms, noting that the National Assembly has made sweeping decisions in the past, such as the recent change of the national anthem, in a single day. Trade Union Congress President, Festus Osifo, emphasized that democracy remains the best path for Nigeria but must be strengthened through transparency, merit-based appointments, and strict measures against vote buying.
Political figures and analysts at the event echoed these concerns. CUPP’s National Secretary, Peter Ameh, called for the unbundling of INEC and proposed that all elections be conducted in a single day to reduce vote buying. Public affairs analyst Ezenwa Nwagwu added that reforms must also tackle corruption at the level of party primaries, where vote buying often begins.
The recommendations have sparked intense debate across political and civil society circles. Supporters argue that insulating INEC from political influence is critical for credible elections, while others warn that barring people with political experience may deprive the commission of capable hands.
