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CSOs demand that INEC’s activities be decentralized.Printed on February 14, 2025Written by Yemi Balogun.

For increased efficiency, the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, has been urged to decentralize its operations by the Strengthening of Democracy in Nigeria Project.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, Advocacy Lead Ezenwa Nwagwu reaffirmed this and urged the National Assembly to give electoral rules that support inclusivity—like diaspora voting—priority.

He promised that civil society organizations would step up their support for electoral reforms, making sure that INEC maintains its independence and transparency in overseeing elections and that the judiciary maintains impartiality in electoral disputes.

He lamented the nation’s ongoing electoral fraud, ineffective political parties, shoddy governance systems, and rising distrust in the electoral process.

According to Nwagwu, these systemic shortcomings have left the populace disenchanted and, concerningly, have stoked doubts about the sustainability of democratic administration in general.

He stated: “But we know that military rule is not an alternative and we will never support military intervention in our political process.

“We will intensify our advocacy for electoral reforms, ensuring that the judiciary upholds impartiality in electoral disputes, and that INEC remains independent and transparent in managing elections.

“We call on the executive to revisit the Uwais Report and implement long-term electoral reforms.

“We also urge the legislature to prioritise electoral laws that promote inclusivity, such as diaspora voting and decentralizing INEC operations for greater efficiency.”

In order to discourage political violence and malpractice, the CSO also called for the prosecution of electoral offenders and the maintenance of security agencies’ impartiality in electoral affairs.

Nwangu said while the media plays a critical role in democracy, the CSOs would work closely with journalists to challenge misinformation, promote investigative journalism, and expose governance failings that undermine democratic integrity.

He noted: “Nigeria’s democracy is at a crossroads, but we remain steadfast in our belief that a credible, free, fair, and accountable system of governance is possible.

“As civil society, we will not relent in our duty to hold power to account, to amplify the voices of the people, and to push for reforms that reflect the true will of the citizens.”

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