INEC seeks power to appoint state election commissioners

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is pushing for amendments to the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.

At the commission’s retreat with the joint committee of the senate and house of representatives on electoral matters, Mohammad Kuna, special adviser to Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, highlighted necessary reforms to the nation’s electoral legal framework.

Kuna said the commission should be given the power to appoint state directors of elections (SDEs). The president currently appoints resident electoral commissioners (RECs) to oversee polls in the states.

The SDEs would have the same powers as the RECs.

Kuna added that the commission is proposing to amend section 14 (3) paragraph F of the third schedule to the 1999 constitution.

The amendment aims to confer upon the commission the authority to appoint and discipline heads of state and federal capital territory (FCT) offices who would serve as state directors of elections.

“Amend Section 14 (3) Paragraph F of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution to Confer the Power of Appointing and Disciplining Heads of State and FCT Offices,” the statement reads.

“Amend Section 6 (3) of EA 2022 to confer the power of appointing heads of State and FCT Offices on the Commission.

“Developments in recent past and especially during and in the aftermath of the 2023 general election suggests the need for the commission to have greater powers to make appointments to the heads of state and FCT offices.”

The commission said the proposed changes are part of a broader effort to streamline electoral processes and ensure greater integrity and efficiency in future elections.