Stakeholders are advocating for the full autonomy of INEC to strengthen democracy in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for operational independence to ensure credible and fair elections. This discussion emerged at a recent conference where issues like political interference, funding constraints, and the need for reform in the Electoral Act were addressed. Key figures highlighted the importance of strong political institutions and party structures for the stability of democracy.
Stakeholders are advocating for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to gain full autonomy, asserting that its independence is vital for enhancing Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring fair elections. This perspective was shared at the Subnational Strengthening Democracy Conference in Kano, where political analysts and civil society leaders emphasized that political interference frequently undermines INEC’s impartiality in electoral processes.
The conference was organized by various organizations, including the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) and the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD). With the theme of Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy, the discussions centered on promoting good governance and fostering political integrity.
Keynote speaker Abdullahi Sule pointed out that financial constraints and executive influence hinder INEC’s effectiveness. He argued that providing INEC with complete financial and operational independence would bolster public confidence in elections, stating, “INEC must have full control over its budget, appointments, and decision-making processes without external influence.”
Sule raised concerns regarding the executive branch’s impact on INEC’s leadership, asserting, “If we want credible elections, INEC must be free from political control. The appointment of INEC officials should be transparent and devoid of partisan interests.” He also called for amendments to the Electoral Act and Constitution to address the issue of cross-carpeting among politicians, which he believes undermines democratic integrity.
Sule emphasized the need for reforms, stating, “To strengthen our democracy, we must close the loopholes that allow elected officials to betray the trust of the people.” He proposed that any party switch should compel a by-election or resignation to uphold accountability.
Itia Otabor, Director of Strategy at the Centre LSD, echoed calls for stronger democratic institutions and reforms within Nigeria’s political party system. He highlighted concerns about inadequate internal party structures and ideological inconsistency, asserting that these weaknesses contribute to democratic instability.
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 criticized the ineffective candidate selection and weak party discipline, noting, “Many parties in Nigeria lack strong internal democratic structures. If we must strengthen democracy, our parties must be well-organized and ideologically driven.”
The push for full autonomy for INEC is crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s electoral integrity. Stakeholders like Abdullahi Sule emphasize that operational independence is pivotal to garnering public trust and mitigating political interference. Alongside reforms in the Electoral Act to prevent political defections, there is also a call for stronger political party structures. For democracy to flourish, both INEC’s independence and robust political institutions must be prioritized.
Original Source: www.nigeriainfo.fm
