The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman selection process should be changed, according to Bishop Timothy Yahaya of the Church of Nigeria’s Kaduna Diocese.
According to him, in order for Nigeria to hold elections that can be trusted, the Federal Government must give up its authority to choose the INEC Chairman for the general election in 2027.
Yahaya asserted that allowing civil society organizations, as opposed to the government, to nominate the INEC Chairman is the “only way to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections in the country.”
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Bishop Yahaya also voiced his displeasure with the electoral petition tribunals’ slow progress.
He made comparisons to other countries and noted that election-related disagreements are typically settled prior to the swearing-in event.
During the third session of the 22nd Synod, which was held at St. Stephen, Anglican Communion, Sabo Tasha, Kaduna, the Bishop voiced his concerns.
He elaborated on his ideas regarding the current electoral system, including modifications to the timing of election disputes as well as the appointment of the INEC chairman.
No one should be inducted into office, in the Bishop’s opinion, until all election-related disputes have been resolved.
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In the Synod, the Bishop suggested, “if the presidential election takes place, in six weeks, all matters that have to do with the presidential election cases should be terminated.”
Yahaya also advocated for the adoption of electronic voting to cut down on election-related expenses and reduce corruption inside INEC.
He compared it to India, highlighting the disparity in election costs despite India having a considerably larger population.
Bishop Yahaya also has a suggestion about the election petition tribunal’s executive committee.
He suggests that retired judges and justices lead the panel rather than those who are currently in office.
Additionally, he is pushing for a modification in the tribunal’s procedure so that crimes and civil lawsuits won’t be put off until the tribunal has finished its job.
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In the end, Bishop Yahaya is urging a “total overhaul of the electoral process” in order to regain the public’s trust in the governance structure.
He emphasized the significance of fair elections for both domestic stability and Nigeria’s standing in the international community.
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