As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed plans to propose significant changes to Nigeria’s electoral framework, one of which involves removing the President’s authority to appoint Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
Under the proposed amendment, the responsibility for such appointments would shift to the electoral commission itself. The appointees, however, would be designated as State Directors of Elections rather than RECs.
Additionally, INEC is considering the introduction of electronically downloadable voter cards as a replacement for the current Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), alongside other stakeholders, has also continued to call for comprehensive electoral reforms. Among their recommendations are the implementation of a single-day voting system and the adoption of a voting process that would not necessarily require a Permanent Voter Card, all in a bid to enhance the integrity of the 2027 elections.
Part of the commission’s demands includes an amendment to Section 14 (3) Paragraph F of the Third Schedule to the Constitution. This revision seeks to empower INEC to appoint and discipline the heads of its offices across states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Moreover, INEC is advocating for a change to Section 6 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022, aiming to transfer the authority for appointing state and FCT electoral heads directly to the commission.
Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Mohammad Kuna, highlighted these proposals during a presentation at a retreat organised for the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters. The session, which focused on reforming the country’s electoral legal framework, was held yesterday in Lagos.
Kuna explained that these suggested reforms are critical for improving transparency, strengthening accountability, and ensuring a more effective electoral process moving forward.
At the state level, the REC serves as the administrative head of INEC’s operations. This official, supported by various government bodies, oversees the conduct of presidential, National Assembly, gubernatorial, and House of Assembly elections, executing duties assigned by the INEC National Chairman and the commission’s 12 commissioners.
