Ex-Lawmaker Obiorah proposes Bill for independent INEC appointments
Former lawmaker and legal practitioner, Ikechukwu Obiorah, has submitted a draft bill to the National Assembly seeking a constitutional amendment to remove the powers of the president and state governors to appoint members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). Obiorah, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District between 2007 […]
Former lawmaker and legal practitioner, Ikechukwu Obiorah, has submitted a draft bill to the National Assembly seeking a constitutional amendment to remove the powers of the president and state governors to appoint members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).
Obiorah, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, disclosed this in his treatise titled “The Philosophy of Elections and Nigeria’s Democracy”, made available to journalists in Abuja.
He argued that vesting appointment powers in a neutral body is crucial to achieving transparent, free, and fair elections in Nigeria. According to him, reforming the current process of appointments would help strengthen electoral credibility and public confidence in election outcomes.
Outlining his proposal, Obiorah suggested that a restructured INEC should consist of 13 commissioners: six elected by recognized Nigerian labour and professional organizations, six nominated by the United Nations, and one observer-nominee from Transparency International. The commission, he added, should have the power to elect its own chairman, hire and fire staff, and conduct all elections across federal, state, and local government levels.
He further explained that the involvement of international bodies would not undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, but would reflect the country’s commitment to curbing corruption and strengthening electoral integrity.
On electoral technology, Obiorah emphasized the need to make the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) and electronic transmission of results via the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) mandatory. However, he cautioned that such tools alone cannot eliminate malpractice without a neutral and credible electoral body.
The former senator expressed confidence that his proposal could contribute to Nigeria’s democratic development, noting that credible elections are the foundation of national progress.
Obiorah’s bill is currently before the National Assembly for consideration.