Falana Urges INEC to Advertise Key Positions, Cites Need for Transparency

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called for the advertisement of positions in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that public transparency should guide the selection of the country’s electoral officers.

Falana made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television monitored by Patriotic Insights News. His comments came amid discussions surrounding the appointments of the INEC chairman and other senior officials.

Since the return of democracy in 1999, INEC chairmen have been appointed directly by the President. Falana, however, argued that this approach undermines the credibility and independence of the electoral body.

“Positions in INEC should be advertised, as recommended by the Uwais panel. Other African countries have adopted mechanisms where vacant positions are open to application by qualified individuals,” he said.

Falana emphasized that the process should ensure that only “men and women of character and integrity” are considered. He further suggested that the public should be allowed to raise objections against candidates deemed unfit.

“The Uwais panel, as far back as 2008, recommended that appointments should be transparent, giving the public a voice in the selection of those responsible for conducting elections,” Falana added.

He maintained that such reforms would strengthen the independence of INEC and restore public confidence in the electoral process.