National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has outlined key reforms he believes are necessary for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
Baba-Ahmed argued that Nigeria’s electoral body must be insulated from political interference to strengthen public confidence in future elections. He stressed that the process for appointing INEC’s leadership should be reviewed to reduce executive influence and enhance the commission’s independence.
The former INEC secretary also called for greater financial autonomy for the electoral commission, saying it should be able to manage and defend its budget without undue external control. He maintained that institutional independence remains critical to ensuring transparent electoral outcomes.
Baba-Ahmed further advocated tougher penalties for electoral offenders, noting that the absence of consequences for vote manipulation, violence and other election-related crimes has encouraged a culture of impunity in the political system. He warned that credible elections cannot thrive where offenders routinely escape punishment.
He added that restoring trust in Nigeria’s democratic process would require broader reforms aimed at strengthening electoral institutions and safeguarding their neutrality. According to him, any election perceived as lacking credibility could further erode citizens’ confidence in democracy and governance.
