Former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia, has called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s electoral system, urging that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be elected by Nigerians rather than appointed by the President.
Omehia made this recommendation in his new book, “Restructuring Nigeria: The Way Forward,” where he proposed several far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring fairness in the electoral process.
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According to the former governor, the national commissioners of INEC should also be elected at the provincial level, guaranteeing equal representation and reducing political interference. He stressed that INEC’s financial independence must be constitutionally guaranteed, preventing reliance on the executive arm of government and enhancing public confidence in elections.
Omehia acknowledged that his recommendations may seem unconventional but argued they are crucial to empowering sub-national governments and safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“Instead of presidential appointment, there must be an election to decide who becomes the INEC national chairman. Similarly, national commissioners should be elected at the provincial level,” Omehia wrote.
His proposals have sparked conversations on electoral reforms and how Nigeria can achieve a more transparent and independent electoral body.
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