Calls for more electoral reform deepened on Tuesday when a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) proposed comprehensive changes to Nigeria’s laws to strengthen democracy.
The CSOs convened to deliberate on independent candidacy, the role of independent observers and the immediate implementation of electronic transmission of election results.
Among their demands is the removal of partisan politicians currently serving as commissioners and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the coalition, political parties should nominate their members as electoral commissioners to curb election rigging.
This call was made during an interactive conference on electoral reform titled Setting the Agenda at Merit House, Abuja, organized by the Civil Society Coalition for Sustainable Development.
The conference aimed to advance a citizens’ memorandum for achieving a more credible, transparent, and accountable electoral process that serves all Nigerians and fosters a democratic culture where every vote counts.
Speaking at the event, former presidential candidate and erstwhile National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Peter Ameh, advocated for conducting all elections on the same day to curb malpractice.
“I urge you to carefully examine Section 1, Section 132, Section 105, and Section 64 of the Constitution to address the feasibility of conducting all elections on the same day. Doing so will significantly reduce the chances of electoral malpractice.
“Additionally, we can learn from Ghana’s Electoral Commission, where elections begin and end at the polling unit. Votes are cast, recorded, and results declared transparently at the unit level.
“It is imperative to address the shortcomings of our political parties. We have long advocated for unbundling the election management body because the current system overburdens them. I speak from experience, having served as Chairman and National Secretary of the IPAC twice.
“In the 2019 elections, when the polls were postponed, the INEC chairman was under immense pressure. Our intervention at the International Conference Center salvaged the situation. For us to get it right, pragmatic measures must be adopted.
“I recommend conducting all elections on the same day to promote fairness and efficiency.
“Additionally, the judicial quasi-power given to the INEC chairman to review elections within seven days and declare seats vacant should be reconsidered. Seat vacancies due to defection, for instance, should be automatic and clearly outlined in the law.
“We must implement robust campaign finance laws and establish an Electoral Offenses Commission, as recommended by the Justice Uwais panel. This will ensure accountability for those who misuse public funds to gain unfair advantages or suppress opposition parties.
“Opposition parties are often weakened because ruling parties exploit public funds to buy votes and suppress rivals. Elections must be conducted on an equal playing field for true democracy to thrive.
“In 2023, we witnessed citizens standing up to challenge the status quo, with some underdog candidates finding success. This momentum must be sustained through transparent and fair systems.”
Hon Ben A. Etenabene, a first-term member of the House of Representatives for the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, emphasized that any elected politician who defects from their party should have their seat declared vacant.
“In Nigeria, even if holy prophets were appointed as INEC Chairman, challenges would persist due to divergent interests and perceptions among citizens. For example, communal or religious affiliations often take precedence over merit, making elections contentious.
“Our laws, including the Electoral Act, are well-crafted, but implementation remains a challenge. Practical solutions, like installing CCTV cameras at polling stations, would ensure transparency by monitoring election activities and exposing irregularities.
“Beyond relying solely on INEC’s portal and the Independent Results Viewing (IReV) system, we should consider creating Election Agent Service Providers—independent entities overseeing the process alongside INEC. This would enhance transparency and reduce manipulation.”
Fred Agbedi, a member of the Federal House of Representatives from Bayelsa State, warned the electorate against mortgaging their future by accepting financial inducements during elections.
“Electoral reforms are crucial to Nigeria’s democratic progress,” he stated.
“However, inclusivity in discussions is lacking. Representatives from all political parties, especially the ruling party, should be part of such debates to ensure robust solutions.”
Drawing lessons from the U.S., Agbedi proposed that political parties play a direct role in constituting electoral commissions to ensure accountability and reduce manipulation.
He urged Nigerians to demand accountability in the electoral process, cautioning that accepting financial inducements undermines democracy.
Former ActionAid Country Director Ene Obi expressed dissatisfaction with Nigerians’ lack of outrage over government actions.
Citing the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu—which led to a fuel price surge from ₦197 to ₦617 per liter—she lamented that citizens accepted the decision without sufficiently challenging the government.
Also, on his part, convener of Free Nigeria Movement, Dr Moses Paul said, “A few weeks ago, significant bills were dismissed without adequate consideration. Let me be clear: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not our problem. The real challenges stem from those controlling the system—people like Senate President Godswill Akpabio and others in positions of power. They are the ones we need to focus on.
“President Tinubu is Nigeria’s leader until 2027, and that’s a reality we must accept. The issue lies not with the driver of the car but with the mechanics, the engine, the tires, and the bolts holding everything together. If these components fail, the entire vehicle breaks down. That’s where our attention must go.
“The driver is in place, but without a functioning system, the journey cannot continue. Let us focus on fixing the parts that truly matter to keep Nigeria moving forward.
Other speakers at the event, including Dr. Peter Piper, Ibrahim Abdukarim, Christian Chima, Young Piero, Sam Amadi and Mallam Idris Kalgo, called for an overhaul of the electoral system to address lingering issues.
Electoral reform: CSOs call for sack of partisan politicians serving as INEC officials