Ex-REC Calls for Review of INEC Officials’ Appointment Process To Boost Voters Trust in Electoral System

By Praise Chinecherem

Former Resident Electoral Commissioner, independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State, Dr Nkwachukwu Orji has called on election umpire to review the process of appointment of its officials as part of efforts to rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

He also canvassed for integrity among election managers and transparency in the process by active involvement of observers.

Orji stated this on Thursday in Awka during a One-Day Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process by the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, under the component 4 (Support to media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria- Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project.

Delivering a paper on “Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Processes and Institutions: Perspectives on Role of Key Stakeholders,” Orji noted that successive surveys have shown that the people’s confidence in the electoral process has dropped drastically.

According to him, the development was a reflection of massive voter apathy witnessed during elections across the country.

“Statistics show that trust has been built before, violated and now, we must focus on rebuilding trust, which must be done on the premise of delivery, engagement and integrity.

Describing trust as critical component for electoral performance and democratic enthronement, Orji said election is a multi-stakeholder affair, adding that the more people fail to participate in the electoral process due to lack of trust, the more they lend support to the failure of the election.

However, he noted that INEC and other stakeholders must begin rebuilding the people’s trust in the process.

“Statistics show that trust has been built before, violated and now, we must focus on rebuilding trust, which must be done on the premise of delivery, engagement and integrity.

“CSOs must begin to demand from accountability from institutions and stakeholders in the election process.

“As a way forward, the election umpire, INEC, on its part, must review the process of appointment of its officials. A Commissioner, for example must be proved honourable, not just in title but in character.

“Political parties must also endeavour to complete all pre-election disputes before the conduct of elections,” he posited.

INEC REC in charge of Anambra State, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, called for sincerity of purpose among stakeholders if the electoral process must witness a turnaround.

She assured that the Commission had commenced preparations for seamless election conduct in the state.

Convener, Nigeria Democracy Clinic, NDC, Dr Emeka Ononamadu noted that passing the buck and blaming the election umpire, INEC for election failures has been the reason why other stakeholders have stood aloof over time, abdicating their responsibilities.

According to him, if any of the stakeholders continue to fail in its duties, the nation will never arrive at an election whose outcome will yield the people’s expectations.

Ononamadu who chaired the programme described the engagement as critical in view of the dissilussionment among the citizenry ocassioned by challenges in the electoral processes.

“Election is life wire of any society. Any challenge in the system can mar the entire process. INEC doesn’t conduct election, it only facilitate the exercise.

“We as part of election managers must take responsibility, including finding solutions to the myraid of challenges confronting the electoral system,” he stated.

Spokesperson, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edwin Okadigbo said the Corps is currently mopping up fire arms from private security guards not licenced to carry arms ahead of the November poll to ensure security of voters during the exercise.

Earlier, Executive Director, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade described the dialogue as timely targeted at seeking further reforms aimed at strengthening our electoral system through potential amendments to the Constitution and the Electoral Act (2022).

Arogundade represented by Programme Manager, Stella Nwofia noted that managing elections in Nigeria remained a complex task that would be difficult to handle by INEC alone, hence need for collaborative approach involving all sectors of society.

He said, “Our collective aim is to gather insights from all geopolitical zones in Nigeria, focusing on the urgent need to rebuild trust and foster collaboration that will improve future elections especially following the complexities that arose during the 2023 general elections.

“As we embark on this initiative under Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria – Phase 2 (EUSDGN II), implemented by the International Press Centre alongside the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), we recognise that every stakeholder’s role in the electoral process is vital.

“This includes not only electoral bodies but also civil society organisations, traditional institutions, trade unions, umbrella media associations and bodies, journalists and other media professionals, etc. Each of these groups plays a crucial part in ensuring that our elections are fair and credible.

“Therefore this programme has been structured in such a way that in addition to the keynote presentation by Dr. Nwachukwu Orji from the University of Nigeria, we will hear from a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from INEC, the Police, the National Orientation Agency, and various civil society organizations and individuals here present.

“This diverse representation is vital because managing elections in Nigeria is a complex task that cannot be handled by INEC alone. Given our large population and the significant costs of conducting elections, a collaborative approach involving all sectors of society is essential.

“We also consider this dialogue as timely as we seek further reforms aimed at strengthening our electoral system through potential amendments to the Constitution and the Electoral Act (2022).

“Our discussions today can significantly influence policy reforms at national levels while empowering local stakeholders to effectively manage electoral processes. Moreover, fostering grassroots civic engagement will enhance public trust in our electoral system.

“I encourage everyone to seize this moment with earnestness. Your valuable insights and recommendations will be shared with the relevant authorities, fostering a wider conversation on enhancing our democratic processes. Together, we can spark meaningful change and restore integrity to our elections.

“As we engage in these discussions, let us remain committed to transparency and accountability. The road ahead may be challenging, but with collective effort and determination, we can indeed make a difference.”