By Victor Itodo Abuh
THE INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing renewed scrutiny following calls by civil society groups for urgent reforms to restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) warned that growing distrust in the electoral system could undermine democracy if not addressed.
Speaking at the event, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, urged INEC to strengthen its independence and resist political interference, noting that “public trust in the Commission is under intense scrutiny.”
Zikirullahi also called on the INEC Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, to step aside over concerns about perceived bias, particularly allegations of closeness to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He said the call was necessary to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
“The credibility of an election management body depends not only on its actions, but also on public confidence in its leadership,” he stated, adding that stepping aside would help “protect the integrity of the institution and safeguard public trust.”
The organisation cautioned against using INEC as a platform to defend individuals, insisting that “a national institution should not be deployed as a personal defence mechanism for any individual, no matter how highly placed.”
CHRICED further stressed the need for transparency in election administration, including timely release of results and adherence to guidelines, warning that failure to act could weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
It also called for accountability, stating that those who undermine elections must be held responsible to deter future misconduct.
The concerns come amid wider anxieties about Nigeria’s political climate, including allegations of opposition harassment and shrinking civic space. The group warned that without urgent reforms, public confidence in democratic institutions may continue to decline.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, attention is expected to remain on INEC and its ability to demonstrate independence, fairness and transparency in managing the electoral process.
