#ANewINEC Campaign
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended (S.154, Paragraph 14, Part F, Third Schedule) vests the power to appoint the INEC Chairman, National and Resident Electoral Commissioner, in the President, subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. In case of the appointment of the INEC Chairman and commissioners, the President is required to consult with the Council of State. The criteria for appointment as set out in the Constitution are that an individual must be non-partisan or belong to any political party, and such a person must be of unquestionable integrity.
The legitimacy of electoral outcomes is rooted in public trust and confidence in the independence, neutrality, competence and integrity of INEC’s leadership. Therefore, enhancing the quality of due diligence and scrutiny of nominations to INEC will improve the legitimacy and trust in the electoral commission. It will also ensure that only competent, non-partisan individuals with unquestionable integrity are appointed to the commission in line with constitutional provisions. To achieve this, the appointment process needs to be open and inclusive of citizen engagement. This framework is designed to institutionalise citizen engagement in the appointment process of individuals nominated as INEC chairman and commissioners.
Rationale
Citizen participation in public appointments strengthens legitimacy, enhances transparency, and safeguards the appointment process from politicisation and manipulation. The framework reinforces the right of citizens to participate in their government as enshrined in the Constitution (S.14), and it aligns with the procedure for appointment and the Standing Orders governing the screening and confirmation of executive nominees in the Senate.
Objectives of the Framework
- Integrate citizens’ engagement in the appointment process to ensure
transparency in the appointment and screening of nominations to INEC. - Ensure the appointment of competent and non-partisan individuals
- Prevent political capture of INEC through appointments
- Inspire public trust and confidence in the electoral commission
Stages in the Appointment and Reappointment Process
Stage 1: Presidential Nomination of INEC Nominees
Before nominations are forwarded to the Senate for Confirmation, the President should;
- Publish the names of prospective nominees and invite the public to submit inputs or objections.
- Invite credible civil society organisations, professional bodies, and electoral stakeholders to make submissions;
- Evaluate the submissions on their merit and communicate their outcomes to the public.
Stage 2: Screening of Nominations by the Nigerian Senate
- Public Notice: Upon receipt of the nominations from the President, in addition to reading the presidential communication at plenary, publish;
- The full names, qualifications, and private/public service records on the National Assembly website, print and electronic media and social media platforms
- Submission of Memorandum and Petitions on INEC Nominees
- Publish a call for memoranda and petitions on nominees within 48 hours of receiving the nomination letter from the President.
- The call for memos and petitions should be published on the National Assembly website, print and electronic media, and social media platforms.
- Submissions shall be made via a designated email or physical drop-off at the Senate Committee Secretariat.
- Open Screening Sessions
- Ensure live broadcast of the screening session on electronic and digital media platforms.
- Allow accredited observers to attend screening sessions.
- Invite oral presentations from political parties, institutions and individuals that submit memoranda and petitions during the screening process
- Reporting on Citizens’ Submissions
- Acknowledge the receipt of the memorandum and petitions
- Publish a public report with details on the number of petitions, contents and objections, including how the committee addressed issues raised in the memos and petitions and reasons behind the committee’s resolutions.
This framework deepens the integrity, transparency and credibility of the appointment process. It presents a pathway for rebuilding public confidence in the INEC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Citizens’ Criteria for INEC Chairman and Commissioners
- Nonpartisan: No affiliation with any political party, past or present
- Unquestionable integrity and character
- Expertise in elections or a related field
- Courageous and independent: Ability to withstand political interference
- Mental alertness to withstand the rigours of election administration
