INEC REFORM GAINS MOMENTUM AS LAWMAKERS PUSH FOR UNBUNDLING AND CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES
Nigeria’s long-delayed electoral reform is gathering pace as lawmakers move to restructure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and overhaul key constitutional provisions governing elections.
At the center of the reform effort is the proposal to unbundle INEC, transferring non-core duties like political party registration and prosecution of electoral offences to new agencies. A bill currently before the House of Representatives seeks to create the Political Parties (Registration and Regulation) Commission and the Electoral Offences Commission. These bodies would manage party conduct and enforce electoral laws, freeing INEC to focus solely on running elections.
Lawmakers like Marcus Onobun (PDP, Edo) and Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) argue that INEC has become overburdened. “We must separate the functions. INEC cannot continue to register, monitor and regulate parties while conducting national elections,” Onobun said during the debate.
The reform has roots in older reports — including the 2014 National Conference and the Uwais Committee on Electoral Reform — both of which recommended splitting INEC’s powers. Civil society groups, political parties, and international observers have backed the move, citing persistent lapses in electoral administration.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu recently added urgency to the debate, citing the cost and complexity of Nigeria’s frequent by-elections. He proposed allowing political parties to nominate successors without new elections if a seat becomes vacant — a method used in some U.S. states.
Another pending bill seeks to amend the constitution to require presidential and governorship candidates to win more than 50 percent of total votes cast, introducing a run-off system. Proponents argue it will ensure more legitimate mandates and reflect the multi-party nature of Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
Other proposals include enabling diaspora voting, early voting for election workers, and removing immunity for certain public officials. A more radical option, now under quiet discussion, would revert Nigeria to a parliamentary system by creating the office of Prime Minister as head of government, distinct from the ceremonial President.
Despite broad support, past attempts to pass such reforms have faltered — especially in the House of Representatives, where bills have often stalled or been watered down. The failure of the 9th Assembly to pass the Electoral Offences Commission Bill is a recent example. This time, reformers are banking on increased public awareness, bipartisan backing, and political urgency to push the laws through.
Still, opponents warn of institutional bloat and fear that multiplying commissions will only inflate costs without fixing root problems. But if implemented effectively, the reforms could redefine Nigeria’s electoral landscape, giving it a sturdier foundation for credible, transparent democracy