For greater efficiency before the 2027 general elections, stakeholders in the electoral process have instructed the Federal Government of Nigeria to unbundle the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC.
This was encapsulated in a statement released after the Youth Electoral Reform Priorities-sponsored National Multi-Stakeholders Forum on Electoral Reform Priorities.
They further pushed the National Assembly to make sure the Constitution was reviewed and the Electoral Act was amended at least two years before the general election.
Such a step would allow all national stakeholders and citizens to completely comprehend the modifications made to the legislation for efficient execution and observance.
The stakeholders claimed that the preparations for the general elections in 2023 were not up to par.
The National Election Offenses Commission should be established to untangle INEC and prosecute election offenders.
"We implore the Federal Government to appoint the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, using the authority of a special election committee made up of nonpartisan, morally upright individuals.
They added that appointing INEC National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners will also fall under this body’s purview.
At the event were representatives of political parties, the Youth Electoral Reform Project, the National Association of Nigerian Students, the Nigerian Youth Parliament, the Inter-Party Advisory Council, and the Conference of United Political Parties.
In addition were the Nigerian Medical Association, Christian Association of Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Labour Congress, and Nigeria Union of Journalists.