Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is pushing for bold reforms aimed at enhancing electoral credibility and transparency across Nigeria.
A key component of the proposed reforms involves amending the nation’s electoral laws to remove the President’s power to appoint Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
INEC, through its Special Adviser to the Chairman, Prof. Mohammad Kuna, unveiled this proposal during a retreat held in Lagos with members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
According to Kuna, the commission is advocating for a restructuring of the REC position, which would now be known as State Directors of Elections, and their appointments would be handled solely by INEC.
“The proposal is essential to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the electoral process,” Kuna stated, emphasizing the need to limit executive influence over electoral operations at the state level.
Currently, RECs play a pivotal role in coordinating elections within their respective states, including Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship, and State Assembly polls.
Explaining the current structure, Kuna said: “The REC, who is assisted by relevant government agencies, undertakes the Presidential, National Assembly, Gubernatorial, and House of Assembly elections in a state and acts pursuant to powers delegated to him or her by INEC’s Chairman and 12 commissioners.”
He further added: “Among the duties of the REC is to make available all the materials required to conduct an election and to monitor the activities of all ad hoc staff, as well as providing for the proper verification of election results.”
Under the existing legal framework, Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution empowers the President to appoint RECs. Section 6(1) of the Electoral Act further states: “A person appointed to the office of a Resident Electoral Commissioner shall (a) be answerable to the Commission; and (b) hold office for a term of five years from the date of his or her appointment which may be renewable for another term of five years and no more.”
Moreover, Section 3 provides for the removal of RECs by the President, but only with the backing of a two-thirds majority of the Senate.
It reads: “The Resident Electoral Commissioner appointed under the Constitution may only be removed by the President, acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that the Resident Electoral Commissioner be so removed for inability to perform the functions of the office, whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause, or for misconduct.”
INEC believes that centralizing the appointment and disciplinary authority within the commission would bolster its independence and ensure elections are administered free from undue political interference.
