Political Analyst Urges Urgent Overhaul of Nigeria’s Electoral System Ahead of 2027 Elections
A political analyst, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, emphasizes the urgent need for Nigeria to undertake a comprehensive overhaul and restructuring of its electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Pearse asserted that achieving free and fair elections is vital for the growth and development of the nation.
He argued that a complete revamp of Nigeria’s electoral system is essential to ensure elections are credible and unbiased.
Pearse particularly highlighted concerns about the current practice where the president appoints the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He believes this system compromises the impartiality of the electoral process, suggesting that INEC should be decentralized and restructured, drawing inspiration from the model used in the United States.
He urged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to eliminate the president’s authority to appoint the INEC chairman and other officers.
Drawing parallels with the U.S. electoral system, Pearse emphasized the importance of having local election committees in each state, comprising key members from major political parties to oversee the electoral process.
In advocating for a more inclusive and decentralized approach, Pearse proposed that any party securing over 25% in an election should be represented on the local election committee.
He criticised the current system where INEC members are presidential appointees, stating that such a setup compromises the integrity of elections.
The political analyst stressed the necessity of restructuring the electoral system to facilitate fair and transparent elections. He argued that without these fundamental changes, Nigeria is unlikely to make significant progress in its democratic processes.
Pearse’s call for reform aligns with broader discussions around electoral integrity and governance in Nigeria, emphasising the need for systemic changes to enhance the credibility of the electoral process.
Source: Daily Nigerian News
