JUST IN: Reps Move to Strip Tinubu of INEC Power

Nigeria’s House of Representatives is pushing a bold constitutional amendment. If passed, it will strip President Bola Tinubu of his power to appoint the INEC Chairman.

The bill, under review by the Constitution Review Committee, proposes that the National Judicial Council (NJC) should take over this responsibility.

Lawmakers argue this change will enhance INEC’s independence. They believe it will also boost credibility and fairness in future elections.

The proposal echoes the 2007 Electoral Reform Committee’s recommendations. That panel, chaired by the late Chief Justice Muhammadu Uwais, had advised similar reforms.

According to the Uwais report, transferring appointment powers to the NJC would help insulate INEC from political control. Furthermore, the report urged that INEC’s funding should come directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Now, the House appears ready to turn these suggestions into law. This could be a major step forward for Nigerian democracy.

Speaking to reporters, former INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega welcomed the development. In his view, it is a crucial move toward protecting the electoral process.

“It is a welcome development,” Jega said. “It will reduce executive pressure and protect the office from political interference.”

He also noted that many Nigerians doubt INEC’s independence. That distrust, he explained, stems from the president’s control over who becomes chairman.

Meanwhile, pro-democracy activists have applauded the bill. They argue that no sitting president should control the electoral body that conducts elections he may contest.

Opposition parties have also expressed support. They insist the reform is necessary to ensure a level playing field in the 2027 elections.

So far, the presidency has not officially responded. However, political analysts say the debate will likely intensify in the coming weeks.

If passed, the bill could redefine how Nigeria conducts elections. It may finally end executive dominance over INEC.

In the meantime, the House is expected to hold more hearings on the bill. Citizens, civil society, and political actors are watching closely.

Should the NJC assume control, Nigeria could witness a shift toward more transparent electoral governance.

This reform could be one of the most important steps toward restoring public trust in elections.

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