Electoral reform committee wants INEC empowered to tackle electoral malpractices 

Chairman, Electoral Reform Committee, Senator Ken Nnamani, has charged Nigerians to contribute positively to the ongoing electoral reform process, and consider the possibility of empowering the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to overcome challenges militating against credible elections in the country.

Nnamani, who stated this, yesterday, at the North-Central zonal public hearing on constitutional review in Jos Plateau State, said primary election is important, just as the proper election is important, adding that the process of primary election should be transparent to give credibility to proper elections.

He said: “We have been considering whether INEC should be given more authorities to tackle most of these electoral problems and sanction accordingly electoral offenders. We are also looking at the possibility of INEC disqualifying candidates, as opposed to what is happening now. A process should also be put in place to reduce litigation.”

In his address, Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, said history of elections in this country has not been pleasant.

“The general perception is that elections in Nigeria are characterised by a lot of malpractices, which results do not reflect the wishes of the electorate, nor give them the leadership they desire. From 1959 to date, at the end of each election, government has put up Political Reforms Committee to look into the noticeable loopholes, with the view of recommending appropriate solutions.