Governors, Ex-Ministers Urge FG to Reform INEC Before 2027 Elections

Governors and former ministers have urged the Federal Government to urgently reform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the 2027 general elections, in order to restore public confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic credibility.

They made the call on Monday during a high-level policy dialogue organised by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership in Abuja, themed “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025: Gains, Gaps, and the Road Ahead.” The event also marked the launch of the Athena Election Observatory, a new initiative designed to monitor and document electoral reforms and governance trends across Africa.

Panelists included Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, and former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, who also serves as Chancellor of the Athena Centre. Representing INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu was Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of the Electoral Institute (BEI).

Former Minister Rauf Aregbesola criticised the current system for appointing INEC leadership, calling it “a grandstanding deceit.”
“It is a grandstanding deceit for the principal beneficiary of electoral manipulation to appoint the INEC Chairman,” he said.

He proposed that only political parties with at least five seats in the National Assembly should nominate INEC’s chairman and commissioners to ensure real independence and credibility.

Governor Soludo stressed that credible elections depend on institutional integrity rather than technology alone.
“The critical question is how we can make our institutions work. We have made some progress, but we still have a long way to go in building trust in the process,” he said.
“It is not just about the rules or the machines — it is about the people. We can only build democracy on institutions that Nigerians trust,” he added.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara linked electoral credibility to respect for the rule of law.
“We cannot talk about democracy without the rule of law. The rule of law guarantees fairness, justice, and peace in society,” he said.

He added that institutions must reflect accountability and integrity if Nigerians are to trust election outcomes.

Osita Chidoka, in his remarks, noted that Nigeria’s electoral challenges stem from weak institutions and a deficit of public trust.
“Institutions, not individuals, make democracy work. When institutions are weak, the system becomes personalised and unaccountable,” Chidoka said.
“We must ensure the umpire is not seen as a player. Without transparency, democracy becomes a shadow of itself.”

Responding, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, representing the INEC Chairman, defended the commission’s record, saying it remains committed to deepening transparency and innovation.
“INEC has continued to reform its processes and build transparency in all its operations,” Zuru stated, revealing that the commission had set up an Artificial Intelligence unit to enhance monitoring and data integrity ahead of future elections.

Opinion Nigeria News