Breaking the Chain: Why INEC Must Be Reformed Before 2027 or Democracy Will Pay the Price
A Democracy at Stake
As Nigeria prepares for the crucial 2027 elections, one thing is clear: reforming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is no longer optional—it’s an urgent, existential necessity. With top leadership transitions impending, skyrocketing party nomination costs, and public trust waning, Nigeria’s democracy teeters on a fragile edge. Reforming INEC’s structure, appointment mechanisms, and internal party dynamics isn’t just desirable—it’s indispensable.
1. Leadership Transitions: A Crisis in the Making
Recent reports warn that nearly half of INEC's top leadership is set to retire between December 2025 and beyond, raising red flags about electoral integrity. Samson Itodo of YIAGA Africa emphasised the gravity, calling for a transparent appointment process involving public scrutiny and rigorous vetting to preserve INEC’s credibility.
Adding weight to this, former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by Ann Iyonu of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, urged sweeping reforms. He proposed an independent screening mechanism involving judiciary, civil society, academia, and professionals to nominate INEC leadership—reducing political bias and restoring trust. Also recommended: post-tenure restrictions and real-time result transmission to ensure accountability.
2. Unbundling INEC: A Game-Changer for Efficiency and Trust
Experts across the board are calling for unbundling INEC into specialized entities:
A body to prosecute electoral offenses.
A regulator for internal party primaries.
A civic education and voter mobilization unit.
This aligns with the long-standing Uwais Reform Report and is supported by civil society and academics alike.
Lecturer Dr. Iroro Izu also underlined the need to co-opt traditional and religious leaders into voter sensitization campaigns, expand polling units, and ensure one-day elections to reduce voter fatigue—all tying back to INEC’s restructured role.
3. Appointment of INEC Officials: Too Political for Comfort
Both analysts and civic actors denounce the current system, where the President appoints the INEC Chairman, often perceived as partisan. Political Analyst Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse demanded the removal of this appointment power, drawing comparisons to systems like in the U.S., where independent state-level bodies manage elections.
Earlier in 2024, stakeholders convened and recommended that appointment powers be transferred to a special non-partisan committee, further underscoring the depth of concern.
4. Empowering Civil Society and Oversight: The Public Must Be Involved
At a recent roundtable, civil society raised the alarm: this is a prime opportunity for public scrutiny in appointment processes. Publishing nominee shortlists, allowing objections, and involving civic groups in vetting processes could enhance transparency. The National Assembly was urged to finalize reforms urgently—ideally by October 2025.
Additionally, calls to implement the Uwais Report—a foundational blueprint for reform—continue to surface across platforms and civic dialogues.
5. The Rising Cost of Politics: Access vs. Democracy
One of the most corrosive trends in Nigerian politics is the exorbitant cost of party nominations—a barrier that undermines democratic inclusivity.
The APC presidential form fee reportedly surged by 263% since 2014, with governorship forms now reaching ₦50 million.
In Ebonyi State’s 2023 election, APGA priced their governorship nomination form at ₦12 million (with a ₦3 million expression-of-interest form).
Other parties are no less extreme: Kwara SDP charged ₦15 million for gubernatorial forms; NNPP charged ₦10 million—all prohibitive sums for most Nigerians.
These skyrocketing costs foster a culture where victory becomes about recoupment via public office rather than service to the people.
6. Cross-Carpeting & Internal Party Democracy: The Need for Sanctions
Unchecked and financially driven politics have accelerated frequent defections—with politicians switching parties for strategic survival rather than ideology.
Goodluck Jonathan highlighted this concern, calling for an independent regulator to enforce internal party discipline, penalize defections, and even declare seats vacant for those who cross carpet.
Similarly, several civic recommendations demand legislative backing to restrict cross-party defections and ensure internal democracy—protecting the electorate’s mandate over opportunistic political loyalty.
7. Grounding Reform in Law: Empowering through Legislation
All this reform talk means nothing without legal teeth. Key demands include:
Constitutional amendments to strip the President of appointment power.
Creation of an Electoral Offences Commission, and clear enforcement mechanisms for violations.
Timely legal resolution of electoral disputes, ensuring no unresolved case before inauguration.
Expanding diaspora voting and voting-by-proxy, plus ward-level result collation that publishes immediately—boosting inclusivity and transparency.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Act Before Democracy Unravels
INEC stands at a precipitous junction. With impending leadership changes, public distrust, political fatigue, and electoral manipulation threatening democratic norms, Nigeria cannot afford incremental reforms—it needs bold, structural overhaul.
INEC must be reformed, unbundled, and liberated from political subservience. Appointment processes must include civil society, religious and traditional institutions. Political party operations and nomination fees must be regulated. Cross-carpet defections must carry legal consequences. Elections must be efficient, inclusive, transparent, and anchored in new legislation.
Failure to do this before 2027 will not just be political negligence—it will be a betrayal of democracy.
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