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INEC chairman speaks as he finishes up his term in office, makes demands

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 7:08 GMT by legit
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INEC Chairman Calls for Constitutional Amendment as He Announces End of Term

In a spirited press briefing held at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters yesterday, the institution’s chairperson—Dr. Aisha Balarabe—announced that he will be completing his five‑year mandate at the end of this year and called for a constitutional amendment to better align the Commission’s leadership term with Nigeria’s electoral calendar. The remarks, which drew a mix of support and caution from political stakeholders, come at a critical juncture as the country gears up for the 2023 general elections and looks ahead to the next electoral cycle.

A Brief Overview of INEC’s Mandate

Since its inception in 1998, INEC has been the linchpin of Nigeria’s democratic process. Charged with conducting free, fair, and credible elections, the body oversees voter registration, delimitation of constituencies, and the deployment of polling units. Its chairperson—appointed by the President and approved by the Senate—serves a five‑year term. This term length, however, has frequently sparked debate about its compatibility with the 5‑year election cycle, prompting the current chairman to propose a constitutional tweak.

Key Points from the Chairman’s Address

1. Completion of the Mandate
   Dr. Balarabe stated, “I will finish my term at the end of this year, having overseen the 2023 elections and the consolidation of our electoral reforms.” He emphasized that the Commission’s operational integrity would remain intact through the transition, citing the existence of a robust succession plan.

2. Call for Constitutional Amendment
   The chairman’s most headline‑grabbing statement was, “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be amended to shorten the term of the INEC Chair to a 4‑year period, aligning it with the electoral cycle.” He further elaborated that the current 5‑year term often leads to “overlaps” where a new administration may take over during a critical election preparatory phase, potentially compromising continuity.

3. Focus on Electoral Reform
   Building on his call for structural changes, Dr. Balarabe outlined ongoing reforms such as the implementation of biometric ID cards, an electronic voter registration system, and a “comprehensive review of the Electoral Act.” He stressed the need for “institutional capacity building” and “strengthening the electoral court’s effectiveness.”

4. Security and Voter Confidence
   Addressing the persistent challenge of electoral insecurity, the chairman urged the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to polling units and to enhance community outreach programs. “A secure environment is the bedrock of credible elections,” he said.

5. Political Parties’ Role
   Dr. Balarabe called on political parties to “conduct internal primaries without violence, abide by the timetable, and engage in constructive dialogue.” He also warned against “deliberate attempts to manipulate the electoral calendar.”

Implications of the Proposed Amendment

A constitutional amendment would require a two‑thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by the assent of the President. The chairman’s proposal, if accepted, would shorten the tenure of future INEC Chairpersons, potentially ensuring that the Commission’s leadership aligns with the electoral cycle. Critics, however, argue that a shorter term could undermine the independence of the Commission, creating a perception that chairpersons may feel pressured to align with the incumbent administration’s interests.

The National Assembly’s Committee on the Constitution has been tasked with examining the feasibility of the proposed amendment. Dr. Balarabe indicated that the Committee will review the proposal in the next session, hoping to pass the amendment before the 2027 elections.

Political Reactions

Opposition lawmakers, including Senator Nnamdi Ikwechegh of the Action Congress of Nigeria, expressed concern about “potential politicization” of the amendment. “We must safeguard INEC’s autonomy,” he said. Meanwhile, members of the ruling All‑Progressive Congress (APC) welcomed the chairman’s proactive stance, with Governor Emeka Nwosu of Rivers State affirming, “The call for a constitutional amendment will help cement electoral integrity.”

Looking Ahead

The 2023 general elections, held on February 23, served as a litmus test for INEC’s reforms. While the electoral process was largely deemed credible, concerns about logistical bottlenecks and security incidents persisted. The chairman’s emphasis on capacity building and security is likely to influence the next phase of reforms.

In the meantime, the Chairperson has pledged to finalize his responsibilities by the end of 2024, ensuring a smooth transition to his successor. The call for constitutional amendment adds a new dimension to the ongoing dialogue about the governance and structure of Nigeria’s electoral machinery.

For more information on the amendment process, readers are directed to the National Assembly’s website, which provides detailed guidelines on constitutional revisions.