The Senate has called for the unbundling of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a bid to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the electoral body.
In a communiqué released following its retreat in Ikot Ikpene, Akwa-Ibom State, the Senate has also taken a resolute stance on making the electronic transmission of election results mandatory from the forthcoming general elections in 2027. This includes the imperative uploading of polling unit-level results and result sheets employed at various stages of result collation.
The official statement from the Senate retreat articulated, “INEC should be unbundled to improve its efficiency and effectiveness in the preparation and conduct of elections.
“Relating to the use of technology in elections, remove the ambiguity evident in Section 64 of the EA22. Also, make electronic transmission of results mandatory from the next general elections in 2027, including the uploading of polling unit-level results and result sheets used at different levels of result collation.”
Furthermore, the Senate has proposed the introduction of diaspora voting, particularly for presidential elections. This move seeks to enable citizens to cast their votes, especially those on essential service abroad, such as military, paramilitary, and other security personnel overseas, Embassy staff, and other citizens.
In regards to political parties, the Senate has recommended the imposition of sanctions for failure to submit the register of party members no later than 30 days before the date of party primaries, congresses, or conventions, as stipulated in Section 77(3) EA22. This provision was observed to be in breach during the 2023 elections without any accompanying penalties, according to the communique.
“Introduce diaspora voting, at least for presidential elections, to enable citizens to vote, especially those on essential service abroad, such as military, paramilitary, and other security personnel abroad, Embassy staff, and other citizens.
“Relating to political parties; stipulate sanctions for failure to submit the register of party members not later than 30 days before the date of party primaries, congresses, or conventions in relation to Section 77(3) EA22, which the political parties have observed in the breach in the 2023 elections without penalty,” the communique read.
The security challenges in the country also became a focal point of discussion during the Senate retreat. The Senate emphasized the necessity of developing a “comprehensive national security strategy” that adequately addresses the security needs of Nigeria. Additionally, the Senate expressed the importance of involving the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives in the security briefings received by the President.
The communique further highlighted the need to promote community policing and engagement as a means to identify and prevent terrorist attacks. Collaboration with civil society organizations and local and traditional communities was also encouraged to identify and address security concerns.
To enhance accountability within the security sector, the Senate proposed the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms. These mechanisms would be responsible for investigating allegations of abuse and corruption, ensuring that security forces are held accountable under the rule of law