Fix INEC before 2027 polls – Political leaders tell Nigerian Govt

Some political leaders in the country have urged the Federal Government to fix the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the 2027 general elections to restore public trust and enhance electoral credibility.

The leaders, including governors and former ministers, made the call on Monday in Abuja during a high-level panel discussion hosted by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership.

DAILY POST reports that the theme of the event was “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025: Gains, Gaps, and the Road Ahead.”

The event also featured the launch of the Athena Election Observatory, an initiative designed to monitor and document electoral reforms, innovations, and governance trends in Nigeria and across Africa.

Prominent among the panellists were Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who is also the Chancellor of the Athena Centre.

Speaking at the forum, Prof. Soludo stressed that credible elections reflect the quality of governance and institutional integrity, noting that reforms should focus on deepening public trust and institutional independence.

“The critical question is how we can make our institutions work. We have made some progress, but we still have a long way to go in building trust in the process,” Soludo said.

On his part, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, linked democratic success to respect for the rule of law and accountability in governance.

“We cannot talk about democracy without the rule of law. The rule of law guarantees fairness, justice, and peace in society,” he said.

Also speaking, former Minister Osita Chidoka said Nigeria’s electoral challenges stem from weak institutions and low public confidence, emphasizing that institutions, not individuals, make democracy work.

“We must ensure that the umpire is not seen as a player. Without transparency, democracy becomes a shadow of itself,” Chidoka said.