Malam Shehu Gabam, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has called for genuine independence for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral processes.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Gabam urged the executive, judiciary, and legislature to adhere to the law in order to strengthen the electoral system in the country.
While acknowledging INEC’s efforts in the conduct of the 2023 general election and off-cycle elections, particularly in the area of logistics, Gabam expressed concern about the commission’s continued susceptibility to executive influence.
“INEC is not independent,” Gabam emphasized. “Many people fail to grasp this reality. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, is constrained in his ability to oversee elections.
His role is limited to producing election materials, ensuring their delivery across states and polling units, and deploying staff for election supervision.”
Gabam highlighted that, by law, the executive, led by the President, is responsible for appointing the INEC chairman, national commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
The call for INEC’s independence comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its democratic processes and ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the future.
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