Prof. Attahiru Jega, the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has defended the notion that presidential appointments should not extend to the leadership of the electoral body…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Jega articulated his stance during a two-day retreat organized for senators by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday.
The former INEC chief also advocated for revisions to the Electoral Act of 2022. He acknowledged that while Nigeria’s existing electoral laws might be considered the best in the country’s history, they are not without imperfections. There is a need for further amendments to eliminate ambiguities, provide clarity, and strengthen certain sections.
These proposed amendments, according to Jega, should mandate the electronic transmission of election results beginning with the next general elections in 2027.
Regarding INEC’s leadership, Jega emphasized that the President should be stripped of the authority to appoint the Chairman and National Commissioners of INEC to ensure the Commission’s independence from political bias.
Jega stressed the importance of reviewing the law to ensure that all election-related cases are resolved and judgments delivered before the swearing-in ceremony.
Section 64 of the Electoral Act, which delineates the process for transmitting election results, has raised concerns among various stakeholders who believe it is susceptible to manipulation and misinterpretation.
Jega recommended clarifying this section by making the electronic transmission of election results obligatory, including the uploading of results from polling units and result sheets used at various stages of result collation.
“In the event of an early amendment in the upcoming electoral cycle, INEC would have adequate time to prepare for this,” Jega stated.
