Opportunity to revitalize INEC

A New Era for Nigeria’s Electoral Commission

The appointment of Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on October 9 marks a pivotal moment for one of the most critical institutions in Nigeria. This decision presents an opportunity to revamp INEC and restore public confidence in the country’s electoral processes.

Since 1999, every presidential election in Nigeria has faced legal challenges, except for the 2015 contest where Goodluck Jonathan conceded early to Muhammadu Buhari. This pattern of flawed elections has led to the judiciary often deciding the outcomes, effectively turning democracy upside down. The repeated failures of INEC have eroded trust in the nation’s electoral system, leaving citizens skeptical about the legitimacy of election results.

Historically, many of INEC’s past chairmen have overseen elections that were widely regarded as deeply flawed. For instance, Eyo Esua managed the 1964-1966 period, while Michael Ani was in charge during the contentious 1979 election. Victor Ovie Whiskey oversaw the 1983 sham elections, which returned Shagari to power. These events highlight a recurring issue: the lack of integrity and transparency in the electoral process.

In 1993, Eme Awa and later Humphrey Nwosu conducted the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was considered the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. However, this election was annulled by the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida, leading to a prolonged period of military rule. The legacy of these events continues to haunt the nation’s political landscape.

The current Fourth Republic has seen several chairmen, each with their own set of challenges. Ephraim Akpata oversaw the 1999 flawed elections, followed by Abel Goubadia, who conducted the 2003 elections marred by irregularities. Maurice Iwu presided over the shambolic 2007 elections, which were criticized for their lack of credibility. The late President Umaru Yar’Adua acknowledged the flaws in the process and promised reforms, but his untimely death prevented the implementation of significant changes.

Attahiru Jega, appointed in 2010, introduced the card reader and biometric verification system, which was deployed in the 2015 elections. Despite some improvements, the 2015 poll still had its issues, and the credibility of the process was questionable. Mahmood Yakubu, who took over in 2015, expanded polling units and introduced online pre-registration portals, increasing the number of registered voters significantly. However, voter turnout remained low, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these measures.

Under Yakubu, INEC adopted a technology-driven approach, replacing manual processes with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System. This system uses fingerprint and facial recognition to accredit voters and prevent multiple voting. Additionally, the INEC Result Viewing Portal was introduced to enhance transparency. Despite these advancements, the 2023 presidential elections were marred by technical glitches from cyber attacks, casting doubt on the credibility of the results.

Amupitan, a law professor from Kogi State, brings a wealth of experience in academia and legal practice. His appointment is a chance to implement meaningful reforms and ensure the independence and credibility of INEC. The upcoming off-cycle elections, including the Anambra State governorship election and others in 2026, will serve as a litmus test for his leadership.

To address the systemic issues within INEC, several reforms are necessary. The power to appoint the INEC Chairman should be transferred to a neutral, independent body outside the executive arm of government. Civil society leaders and eminent jurists could play a role in this process. Additionally, the President’s omnibus power to appoint INEC officials must be curtailed, ensuring that the commissioners maintain unquestionable integrity.

Nigerians must actively challenge anomalies in the electoral system. The youth, in particular, can play a crucial role in advocating for change. Just as youths in Morocco protested against the construction of a stadium instead of investing in healthcare and education, Nigerians should demand accountability and transparency.

Legislation should fast-track the establishment of a neutral body to appoint INEC officials, with confirmation through a plenary session of the National Assembly. This would enhance the credibility of the process and address voter apathy.

Ultimately, the success of INEC under Amupitan will depend on his ability to demonstrate integrity and lead the institution toward a more transparent and credible future. Until the conditions that make electoral umpires prisoners of the system are eliminated, elections will continue to suffer an integrity deficit.