Stakeholders are advocating for the full autonomy of INEC to enhance Nigeria’s democracy and ensure credible elections. At a conference in Kano, experts highlighted challenges such as political interference and executive influence on INEC. Key speaker, Abdullahi Sule, urged for financial independence and amendments to the Electoral Act to prevent political officeholders from switching parties without accountability. Additionally, the importance of reforming political parties and strengthening democratic institutions was emphasized by Itia Otabor.
Stakeholders are advocating for the complete autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasizing that its independence is vital for bolstering Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring elections are conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. This call came during a high-level conference, the Subnational Strengthening Democracy Conference held in Kano, where political analysts and civil society leaders highlighted that political interference often compromises INEC’s ability to conduct impartial elections.
The conference was organized by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) in collaboration with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). The theme was “Strengthening Nigeria Democracy – Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity.”
Keynote speaker Abdullahi Sule underscored the challenge of funding constraints and executive influence. He asserted that granting INEC full financial and operational independence is essential for boosting public trust in electoral processes. Sule, the Director Program at the Youth and Environmental Development Association (YEDA), remarked that without true independence, democracy cannot thrive.
Sule stated, “INEC must have full control over its budget, appointments, and decision-making processes without external influence.” He raised concerns about the executive’s influence on INEC leadership and insisted on transparency in the appointment of INEC officials, devoid of partisan interests. For credible elections, he argued, INEC must be shielded from political control.
Moreover, Sule called on the government to amend the Electoral Act and Constitution to address the issue of cross-carpeting by political officeholders. He explained that when politicians change party allegiance without acquiring a fresh mandate, it undermines governance’s accountability and stability. He suggested that amendments should enforce a by-election or resignation upon any cross-party defection.
Itia Otabor, the Director of Strategy at the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), emphasized the necessity of strengthening institutions that uphold democratic practices and reforming Nigeria’s political party system. He voiced his concerns regarding weak institutions, poor internal party structures, and the absence of consistent ideologies among political parties, stating these factors contribute to instability in Nigeria’s democracy.
Otabor stated, “For democracy to thrive, institutions like the judiciary, electoral bodies, and anti-corruption agencies must be strengthened to function independently and effectively.” He also pointed out that political parties should not merely serve as platforms for power struggles but should operate based on clear ideologies. Additionally, he highlighted frequent internal crises within parties that contribute to electoral instability, emphasizing the necessity for well-organized and ideologically driven political parties.
The stakeholders’ call for full autonomy for INEC underscores the critical need for an independent electoral body to enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s elections. Events such as the Subnational Strengthening Democracy Conference have highlighted the need for the government to address issues of funding, executive influence, and the need for constitutional amendments to strengthen democratic integrity. Strengthening both INEC and political party structures is essential to realizing a stable and effective democracy in Nigeria.
Original Source: www.nigeriainfo.fm
