INEC Proposes Major Electoral Reforms Ahead of 2027 General Elections
Commission Seeks to Strip President of REC Appointment Powers
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is implementing sweeping reforms to address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s electoral process before the 2027 General Elections. One of the most significant proposals would remove the President’s authority to appoint Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
Key Proposed Changes to Electoral Framework
Prof. Mohammad Kuna, Special Adviser to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, revealed these plans during a retreat with the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Lagos. The commission wants to:
- Transfer REC appointment powers from the President to INEC
- Rename the position to “State Directors of Elections”
- Introduce electronically downloadable voter cards to replace PVCs
- Establish mechanisms for early, diaspora, and inmate voting
Constitutional and Electoral Act Amendments
INEC is specifically seeking amendments to:
Section 14 (3) Paragraph F of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution and Section 6 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022 to grant the commission authority over state-level appointments and disciplinary actions.
Prof. Kuna emphasized these changes would enhance “transparency, accountability, and efficiency” in elections. Currently, RECs oversee all elections in their states under powers delegated by INEC’s leadership.
Addressing Past Electoral Challenges
The proposal would also empower INEC to discipline rogue officials, like the former Adamawa REC who improperly announced governorship results. Under current law (Section 154 of the 1999 Constitution), only the President can remove RECs with Senate approval.
Additional Progressive Reforms
INEC’s comprehensive reform package includes:
- Creating an Electoral Offences Commission
- Establishing a Political Party Regulatory Agency
- Implementing special seats for women and people with disabilities
- Introducing early/special voting for essential workers and incarcerated voters
These proposals represent INEC’s most ambitious electoral reforms in recent history, aiming to address systemic issues before Nigeria’s next major election cycle.
Full credit to the original publisher: The Citizen
