The challenges facing our current democratic processes are numerous. However, this memorandum focuses specifically on three major systemic challenges: the Mode of Appointment of the INEC Chairman and Commissioners, Pre-election and Post-election litigation, and Electoral offences prosecution.
The mode of appointment of the Chairman and Commissioners plays a key role in determining the outcome and perceived integrity of elections. Currently, the appointment of the INEC Chairman and Commissioners is by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This leads to partisan pressure and ties the Commission’s top leadership to the executive power, making it difficult for the Commission to exercise full autonomy in discharging their duties.
This has resulted in structural biases and public distrust, where even when malpractices are reported in polling centers, the final results are often declared in favor of the ruling administration, forcing opponents into long, costly legal battles.
