Nigerians are taking a bold step towards ensuring the integrity of their electoral process, with a nationwide campaign to strip President Tinubu of his powers to appoint the chairman and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This move is driven by concerns over the independence and credibility of INEC, following the controversy surrounding the 2023 polls and subsequent announcement of President Tinubu as winner of the elections.Â
The campaign, led by the Save Democracy Mega Alliance 2027 (SDMA’27), seeks to amend the Nigerian Constitution to transfer the power to appoint INEC officials to a non-partisan body, ensuring that the electoral process is free from executive interference.
With many Nigerians calling for reforms to prevent the manipulation of elections by President Tinubu, this development is a significant step towards strengthening the country’s democracy.
As the debate unfolds, learn from Bsgistnews.com, how Nigerians are eager for meaningful change to ensure the transparency and accountability of their electoral institutions.
Nigerians are intensifying their campaign to strip the president of powers over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, advocating for constitutional amendments to ensure the independence of these institutions.
The Save Democracy Mega Alliance 2027 (SDMA’27), a national coalition, is leading the charge, seeking to remove President Tinubu’s authority to appoint INEC and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) heads, as well as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and state chief judges.
The coalition argues that the current system, where the president has significant influence over these appointments, undermines the independence of INEC and the judiciary, allowing for executive interference in the electoral and judicial processes.
By transferring the power to appoint heads of these institutions to a new, independent body, SDMA’27 hopes to prevent such interference and ensure free and fair elections.
Key Objectives of the Coalition Against President Tinubu:
– Amend the Constitution: Remove the president’s powers to appoint INEC, SIEC, and judiciary heads
– Establish an Independent Body: Create a non-partisan, integrity-vetted body to oversee appointments
– Strengthen Institutions: Ensure INEC and the judiciary are independent, accountable, and resistant to external influence
Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist, has endorsed the movement, citing the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform report, which recommended similar reforms to insulate INEC and the judiciary from executive influence.
The coalition has outlined a three-point plan to mobilize national consensus, build momentum for a national conference, and lobby the National Assembly to effect the necessary constitutional changes.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the prospects of success.
Dr. Pogu Bitrus, president of the Middle Belt Forum, emphasizes that the issue is not just about who appoints, but also who has the power to fire.
He advocates for strengthening institutions, introducing stringent laws, and imposing severe penalties for wrongdoing.
Alhaji Yerima Shettima, president of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, expresses doubts about the feasibility of establishing an independent body, given the centralized nature of the system.
Despite these concerns, the campaign has garnered support from various quarters, including Adebayo Fadipe, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who believes that removing the president’s powers will restore the integrity of INEC and pave the way for credible elections.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Nigerians are eager for meaningful reforms to ensure the independence and accountability of their electoral and judicial institutions.
