Samson Itodo, the Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, has stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing significant challenges and requires unbundling for improved efficiency.
Speaking at a Citizens’ Townhall on Electoral Reforms event in Abuja on Tuesday, Itodo highlighted the difficulties faced by INEC in carrying out its functions, attributing them to the overwhelming responsibilities placed on the electoral commission.
He advocated for the creation of specialized bodies, including an electoral offences commission and a political party regulatory and registration commission. Itodo emphasized that establishing these commissions would alleviate the burdens on INEC and contribute to a more effective and streamlined electoral system in Nigeria.
“There are five key priorities that we put on the agenda; the first one is the need to unbundle INEC. As it stands, INEC needs to breathe. INEC is struggling to breathe because there are enormous responsibilities vested in the electoral commission,” he said.
“So the need for an electoral offences commission, the need for a political party regulatory and registration commission is critical and Nigerians want an INEC that is unbundled.”
He emphasized that Nigerians are calling for the independence of the electoral commission, and he highlighted the need for a thorough review of the appointment process for national and resident electoral commissioners. This, he argued, is essential to prevent the appointment of individuals with political affiliations.
Itodo proposed that the resolution of all election petitions should be completed before the swearing-in ceremony, a measure he believes would enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
Moreover, he noted that there is a growing demand for the compulsory use of electronic means to transmit results. This, according to Itodo, aims to improve transparency and efficiency in the electoral process. Additionally, Nigerians are advocating for the expansion of the voting network.
He stated, “Nigerians are also asking that diaspora voting and early voting for critical stakeholders in our electoral process, such as INEC officials, election observers, security agents, and all officials who are on election duty on election day; they should be able to cast their votes, including prisoners or inmates.”