The Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), Ezenwa Nwagu, has clarified that the President of Nigeria does not directly appoint the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but merely nominates a candidate for the position.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Nwagu explained that the process involves multiple institutions beyond the presidency.
According to him, once the President nominates a candidate, the Department of State Services (DSS) carries out a screening and profiling exercise. The nomination is then subject to the approval of the National Assembly, which ultimately has the constitutional power to confirm or reject the candidate.
Nwagu also noted that the Council of State plays an advisory role in the process, further emphasizing that the appointment is not solely at the discretion of the President.
He pointed out that the ongoing debate about reforming INEC’s leadership selection process stems from public concerns about the perceived partiality of appointees in such a critical democratic institution.
Referencing past proposals, including recommendations from Justice Wale’s committee suggesting the involvement of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Nwagu said these ideas reflect citizens’ frustrations with the credibility of the commission’s leadership.
“Truth be told, and this is the argument I make everywhere: the President does not appoint, the President nominates. After that, the DSS screens and profiles, the Council of State has a role, and finally, the National Assembly decides,” he stressed.
