INEC needs to be Unbundled – Jega

A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has called on the National Assembly to unbundle the commission to make it more efficient.

He made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a Citizens Town Hall on Electoral Reform organised by Yiaga Africa and the European Union (EU) in partnership with the National Assembly joint committees on electoral matters.

Jega also said if Nigeria’s electoral process must be enhanced, the issue of cross-carpeting by politicians must be outlawed.

He said that though there have been some improvements in INEC, the commission still needs to be unbundled.

“From 2011 to 2022, a lot of efforts have been made to reform the electoral process. A few months after a new government was sworn in, electoral reforms commenced. The 2022 electoral reforms are the best in recent times, but there is room for improvement.

“We must look at voting rights and inclusion, political parties, primaries and litigation, security, and public enlightenment, which are essential to electoral integrity.

“If we want to improve politics and deepen democracy, we must prevent cross-talking by politicians from one party to another. The reason why our lawmakers don’t want to do that is because they win elections in another party and join the ruling party later,” Jega said.

The former INEC boss said even elected governors are cross-talking, which is affecting the polity.

He said, “The law is very clear. If you move, unless there is a crisis, a by-election should be conducted. If a politician crosses the carpet as a matter of principle, he or she should vacate his or her seat.

“If you cross the carpet, you should be able to vacate the seat. I strongly support the recommendation that the appointment of the INEC chairman and the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) be reviewed.

“Because when the president nominates, there is no serious screening. The legal provisions of appointing someone who is not partisan should be considered.

“INEC should be unbundled. We also need to review how people stand to contest a presidential election. Some people form political parties just to run for the office of president. A political party should not field a presidential candidate unless they meet a certain threshold.”

He later submitted his recommendation to the National Assembly members at the event.

Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the national assembly will work hard to ensure that INEC is truly independent.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Barrister Sylvester Okonkwo, Akpabio said they were committed not only to go along with the people but also to protect the independence of INEC and restore the trust of the people in the electoral process.

“All stakeholders must be resolutely involved in this. History will record every move we take to move this country forward. We will collaborate with Yiaga Africa and other stakeholders to ensure that we do the right thing.

“The National Assembly and this administration are ready to work with anyone and everyone who is ready to work for the progress of this nation. The time has come for all of us to be positive about our country. Let us also find time to talk about the great achievement that has been made for the greatness of our country,” Akpabio said.

On his part, Executive Yiaga Africa, Mr. Samson Itodo, said that Nigerians must realise that making the nation’s democracy and good governance work for the interest of the people is not by mere wish or thinking.