Naija247news reports that prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called for the position of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be publicly advertised to allow competent Nigerians to apply.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Falana stated that such a process would promote transparency and safeguard the independence of the electoral body. According to Naija247news, the legal luminary explained that the proposal aligns with the 2008 recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Panel.
Naija247news gathered that Falana’s comment came barely a week after the Senate confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new INEC Chairman, following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 16.
“What other African countries like Lesotho and Botswana have done,” Falana said, “is to establish a system where vacant positions in electoral bodies are advertised publicly. This ensures that only credible individuals of integrity and moral standing are appointed.”
Naija247news understands that Falana emphasized that public scrutiny of applicants would enhance accountability in the selection process. He recalled that the Uwais Panel had proposed that the National Judicial Council (NJC) should assess candidates and recommend the three most qualified names to the National Assembly, from which one would be chosen as INEC chairman.
“This model, if implemented,” Falana argued, “would make the electoral commission truly independent and free from executive control. It would also strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.”
In addition to advocating for the transparent appointment of INEC officials, Naija247news gathered that Falana renewed his call for the amendment of the Electoral Act to enable Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in elections.
“Today, remittances from Nigerians abroad sometimes surpass our earnings from oil and gas,” he stated. “If they contribute significantly to the nation’s economy, they should also have the right to vote and determine the country’s leadership.”
Naija247news reports that Falana’s renewed push for electoral reforms reflects growing concerns among stakeholders over the need for credible, transparent, and inclusive democratic processes in Nigeria.
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Reporting by Agnes Ekebuike Editor, Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
