News

Reps Move To Strip President Of Power To Appoint INEC Chair

BySodiq Lawal

PublishedJuly 13, 2025

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is considering a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to reform the appointment process of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The proposed amendment, according to sources familiar with the development, seeks to involve the National Judicial Council (NJC) in the selection of the INEC chairman, a move aimed at insulating the electoral body from political interference and enhancing public confidence in the nation’s electoral process.

The move, which has attracted reactions from key stakeholders, aligns with the 2007 recommendations of the Electoral Reform Committee led by the late Chief Justice of Nigeria, Muhammadu Uwais.

The Uwais panel had proposed that the NJC, rather than the President, should be empowered to appoint the INEC chairman, while the commission’s funding should be a first-line charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Reacting to the development in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, a former INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, described the move as “a welcome development”, noting that it would reduce executive interference and remove the widespread perception that “he who pays the piper dictates the tune”.

“This proposal is one of the sound recommendations that could help in insulating the electoral body from undue political and executive pressures. It is essential for entrenching credibility and integrity in our democratic processes,” Jega said.

Similarly, the Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, welcomed the bill but expressed concern about the neutrality of the NJC.

He noted that while the reform aligns with earlier electoral recommendations, the NJC itself must be scrutinised to ensure it does not become another tool for elite capture.

“We must ask if the NJC is non-partisan enough to oversee such a delicate responsibility. Over time, we’ve seen presidents appoint loyalists and politically exposed individuals to head INEC. That’s why YIAGA Africa referred to the situation as institutional capture,” Itodo said.

He suggested a broader, multi-stakeholder committee to manage the appointment process, after which successful nominees would be forwarded to the National Assembly for screening before final confirmation by the President.

Also weighing in, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Auwal Rafsanjani, backed the NJC’s involvement, saying it could help redeem the judiciary’s dwindling image in the eyes of Nigerians.

According to him, the perception of judicial compromise in politically sensitive matters has weakened citizens’ confidence in that arm of government.

“The involvement of the NJC will not only enhance the integrity of INEC but also serve to improve the credibility of the judiciary. Successive presidents have flouted constitutional provisions that bar partisanship in INEC leadership. The NJC, with its expected neutrality, could help correct that anomaly,” he said.

However, not all stakeholders are convinced. Constitutional lawyer and public affairs commentator, Abdul Mahmud, described the proposed amendment as deeply flawed.

He raised concerns over the NJC’s own internal credibility, noting that some of its members have been involved in controversial judicial pronouncements, particularly on political matters.

“To entrust the NJC with such a vital role is like asking the fox to guard the henhouse. We’re not deepening democracy here; we’re merely shifting power among a closed group of insiders,” Mahmud told Sunday PUNCH.

He also referenced recent issues involving the NJC, including the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and the visa denial of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, suggesting that these events could further diminish trust in the judiciary at home and abroad.

On her part, the Founder of Women Arise and a pro-democracy campaigner, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, said that while the proposal may have good intentions, it might not resolve the underlying issues if recommendations by the NJC are still subject to presidential discretion.

“It’s important that whoever is involved in this process acts with integrity and patriotism. The true test will be whether this review translates into real independence for INEC,” she said.

A public affairs analyst, Jackson Ojo, also expressed scepticism, warning that the NJC could itself become politicised. He maintained that while the President’s control over the process is problematic, simply transferring that power to another elite body may not necessarily inspire confidence among Nigerians.

“The judiciary itself is struggling with trust issues. This amendment won’t mean much unless the process is truly transparent and inclusive,” he said.

Sodiq Lawal

Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.