Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria, has strongly called for the removal of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along with other top officials within the electoral body.
Speaking at the prestigious Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in the United States, Obasanjo emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Reflecting on the contentious 2023 elections, which he described as a “disaster,” Obasanjo stressed that restoring the public’s confidence in the nation’s electoral process is essential for the country’s democratic future. The former president expressed deep concerns about the integrity of the electoral system, which he believes has been undermined by partisan interests and corruption.
“In order to rebuild trust in the electoral system, we must urgently reform INEC,” Obasanjo stated. He further recommended a thorough vetting process for the INEC Chairman and other key personnel within the commission to ensure that only competent, impartial individuals are selected for these crucial roles. According to Obasanjo, these reforms should extend across all levels of government, from federal to local, including municipal and village levels.
One of the key reforms Obasanjo proposed is the reduction of tenure for the INEC chairman and other significant officials. By shortening the terms of office, he argued, Nigeria could prevent the repeated appointment of partisan individuals who may use their positions for political gain. This, he believes, would help eliminate the possibility of political manipulation and ensure that those leading the electoral commission are more accountable to the people.
“It is vital for the country to take immediate action to ensure that INEC is led by credible, independent individuals,” Obasanjo continued. “These leaders should serve shorter terms to prevent any undue political influence and help rid the system of corruption. The overall goal must be to restore the trust of the Nigerian people in their electoral process.”
Obasanjo’s remarks underscore the growing concern over Nigeria’s electoral integrity, especially following the controversial 2023 elections. With his call for reform, he joins a growing chorus of voices advocating for structural changes that can help ensure that Nigeria’s elections are free, fair, and transparent in the future.
