How INEC Can Ensure Free, Fair, and Credible Elections in 2027 – Baba‑Ahmed

Dr Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed, National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), outlined steps the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could take to hold free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Baba‑Ahmed said INEC must be strengthened to shield it from undue political influence.

He called for a review of the appointment process for the INEC chairman, national commissioners, and resident electoral commissioners (RECs) to reduce executive control over the electoral body.

“The moment you hand over an electoral body to a partisan administration that wants to retain power, you create serious questions about its neutrality,” he said.

The PRP chairman also urged budgetary independence for INEC, arguing that the commission should be allowed to present and defend its budget independently before the National Assembly.

He further demanded tougher sanctions against politicians and individuals who engage in electoral malpractices and violence, noting that such offences continue to thrive because perpetrators are rarely punished.

“Politicians who compromise the electoral process must face the consequences of their actions. The culture of impunity must end,” he said.

Baba‑Ahmed, a former Secretary to INEC, warned that an election lacking credibility could further weaken Nigeria’s democracy and erode public confidence in democratic institutions.

He added that broader reforms aimed at strengthening key institutions such as INEC would be central to the PRP’s restructuring agenda for the country.

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