IPC: Let Nigerians Decide Who Leads INEC

The International Press Centre (IPC) has urged that Nigerians should have a greater role in the appointment of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, made the call on Tuesday during an interview on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television.

Arogundade said the current practice, which largely leaves the appointment to the president and National Assembly, falls short of representing the interests of all Nigerians.

“The process or criteria in choosing or appointing the INEC chairman should not be left for the president or presidency and the National Assembly alone. There are interest groups like political parties, Civil Society Organizations, women organizations, and the media,” he said.

He also criticized the heavy reliance on the National Council of States for approval, noting that it does not reflect the broader society.

“We are advocating for an expanded criterion for appointments to ensure stronger independence and impartiality in the management of our electoral process,” Arogundade added.

The IPC’s statement comes amid growing public discourse on electoral reforms and calls for more transparency in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.