CSO Calls for INEC Decentralization, Electoral Reforms

The Strengthening of Democracy in Nigeria Project has urged the decentralization of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance efficiency in electoral processes.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, the group’s Advocacy Lead, Ezenwa Nwagwu, also called on the National Assembly to prioritize electoral laws that promote inclusivity, such as diaspora voting.

Nwagwu assured that civil society organizations (CSOs) would intensify advocacy for electoral reforms, ensuring judicial impartiality in electoral disputes and INEC’s independence and transparency in managing elections.

He lamented the persistence of electoral malpractice, weak governance structures, political party inefficiencies, and growing public distrust in the electoral system, warning that these systemic failures threaten the viability of democracy.

“But we know that military rule is not an alternative, and we will never support military intervention in our political process,” he stated.

Nwagwu urged the executive to revisit the Uwais Report and implement long-term electoral reforms, while also stressing the need for the legislature to pass laws promoting inclusivity, such as diaspora voting and INEC’s decentralization.

The CSO further demanded that security agencies remain neutral in electoral matters and that electoral offenders be prosecuted to deter political violence and malpractice.

Highlighting the media’s role in democracy, Nwagwu said CSOs would collaborate with journalists to counter misinformation, promote investigative journalism, and expose governance failures undermining democratic integrity.

“Nigeria’s democracy is at a crossroads, but we remain steadfast in our belief that a credible, free, fair, and accountable system of governance is possible.

As civil society, we will not relent in our duty to hold power to account, amplify the voices of the people, and push for reforms that reflect the true will of the citizens,” he added.