Stakeholders at the Subnational Strengthening Democracy Conference demand full autonomy for INEC to enhance Nigeria’s democracy. They emphasize the need for financial independence, political impartiality, and the reform of electoral laws to curb political misbehavior, ensuring credible elections and a stronger governance framework.
Stakeholders advocate for the full autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasizing its independence as vital for enhancing Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring the conduct of fair elections. This call was made during the Subnational Strengthening Democracy Conference held in Kano, where political analysts and civil society leaders highlighted the detrimental effects of political interference on INEC’s operations.
The event was organized by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), in collaboration with the African Centre For Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). The theme, “Strengthening Nigeria Democracy – Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” underscored the critical role of INEC in the electoral process.
Abdullahi Sule, the keynote speaker and Director Program at the Youth and Environmental Development Association (YEDA), pointed out that financial restrictions and executive influence hinder INEC’s effectiveness. He contended that granting INEC financial and operational independence would bolster public confidence in elections. “INEC must have full control over its budget, appointments, and decision-making processes without external influence,” he stated.
Sule expressed concerns regarding executive interference in the appointment of INEC leaders, stressing that credible elections require INEC to operate free from political domination. He urged reforms to the Electoral Act and the Constitution to address cross-carpeting among political officeholders, which could undermine Nigeria’s democratic fabric. He argued that mid-term party switches by politicians compromise accountability and governance stability.
“To strengthen our democracy, we must close the loopholes that allow elected officials to betray the trust of the people,” Sule emphasized, advocating for amendments that enforce by-elections or resignations upon cross-party defections.
Itia Otabor, the Director of Strategy at the African Centre For Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), also spoke at the conference, pressing for the fortification of institutions that safeguard democratic processes and reforms within Nigeria’s political party system. He identified the frailty of institutions, poorly structured internal party mechanisms, and the absence of ideological coherence among parties as significant threats to stability.
Otabor noted the importance of reinforcing institutions such as the judiciary and electoral bodies, which must operate independently to ensure democracy thrives. He stressed that political parties ought to be grounded in clear ideologies instead of merely functioning as platforms for power contests, adding that the frequent internal crises within these parties lead to instability and defection issues.
The call for the full autonomy of INEC reflects a broader desire for genuine democratic practices in Nigeria. Stakeholders argue that an independent electoral commission, free from political interference and grounded in financial and operational autonomy, is essential for ensuring credible elections. Additionally, reforming the political party system and amending relevant laws are critical for enhancing the integrity and stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
Original Source: www.nigeriainfo.fm
