The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has suggested a major reform to Nigeria’s electoral system allowing political parties with at least five lawmakers in the National Assembly to nominate candidates for leadership positions within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Aregbesola made the proposal on Monday during a panel session in Abuja themed “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.”
The former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State argued that Nigeria’s electoral process will continue to face credibility challenges unless reforms begin with how the INEC Chairman and commissioners are appointed.
He emphasized that giving qualified political parties a role in the nomination process would help enhance transparency, fairness, and public trust, while reducing the potential for undue influence or manipulation.
“The problems in Nigeria’s elections are deeper than we admit. From the appointment of the INEC chairman to other commissioners, many of these processes don’t inspire confidence,” Aregbesola said.
“We must begin reform from there. My suggestion is simple let every party with at least five members in the National Assembly nominate individuals to lead INEC on an equal basis. That will build fairness into the system.”
He criticized the current model where, according to him, the beneficiary of electoral outcomes often controls the appointment process, calling it unfair and unsustainable.
“If the main beneficiary of manipulation is allowed to appoint INEC officials, the outcome is already compromised,” he added.
“We’ll only be deceiving ourselves if we think technology alone can solve these structural issues.”
Aregbesola’s proposal aims to spark meaningful dialogue on electoral reform, ensuring that leadership selection within INEC is more inclusive and credible.