Nwagwu to New INEC Chair: Resist Political Pressure, Restore Nigerians’ Trust in Elections

As Nigeria ushers in a new era of electoral leadership, civic advocate and election analyst Ezenwa Nwagwu has urged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist political influence, manage Nigeria’s diverse interests, and rebuild the commission’s battered credibility.

Nwagwu, who is also the convener of the Say No Campaign Nigeria, made this appeal during a media briefing in Abuja, where he highlighted the urgent need for transparency, independence, and reforms within Nigeria’s electoral management body.

A Critical Moment for INEC and Nigeria’s Democracy

According to Nwagwu, the transition at INEC comes at a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy. Public confidence in the electoral system has continued to decline, following widespread allegations of vote manipulation, logistical failures, and compromised results transmission in past elections.

He emphasized that the new INEC Chair must prioritize restoring the trust of Nigerian voters, which has eroded due to the perception that the commission often acts under political pressure.

“The credibility of INEC is not just about technology or funding — it is about integrity and independence. The new chairman must rise above political manipulation and act in the best interest of Nigerians,” Nwagwu said.

Resisting Political Influence: A Test of Integrity

Nwagwu cautioned that the greatest challenge facing any INEC chairman is resisting political interference from powerful interests, especially those within the ruling government. He stressed that electoral independence must not only be guaranteed in law but demonstrated in practice.

He noted that past INEC leaders often faced intense pressure to tilt electoral outcomes or delay reforms, warning that the new chair must learn from those experiences.

“INEC cannot continue to operate like an appendage of the executive. The commission’s autonomy must be real, not symbolic. Nigerians need to see that their votes truly count,” he added.

To achieve this, Nwagwu advised the new INEC leadership to strengthen internal administrative systems, promote merit-based staffing, and ensure transparency in the deployment of sensitive election materials.

Managing Nigeria’s Diverse Interests

Beyond resisting political pressure, Nwagwu said the new INEC chair must skillfully manage Nigeria’s complex socio-political and ethnic diversity. With over 200 million citizens spread across 36 states and the FCT, Nigeria’s electoral process is not just a logistical challenge but also a test of inclusiveness and fairness.

He called for increased engagement with civil society organizations, traditional institutions, youth groups, and political parties, to ensure that all voices are represented in electoral planning.

“INEC must understand that elections are not just technical operations — they are social contracts. The commission has to listen to citizens, not just politicians,” he noted.

Nwagwu also emphasized the importance of improving voter education, particularly in rural communities where misinformation and voter apathy remain high. Strengthening communication channels, he said, would help citizens understand electoral procedures and increase participation.

Restoring Credibility Through Transparency and Technology

The INEC’s credibility, Nwagwu argued, will depend heavily on its commitment to transparency. He urged the new chair to ensure real-time result transmission, open data access for journalists and observers, and continuous publication of election audits.

The activist acknowledged the role of technology — particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) — but warned against overreliance on tech tools without proper accountability structures.

“Technology is not magic. It only works when there is human honesty behind it,” he said, stressing that electoral officials must be properly trained and monitored to prevent abuse.

Nwagwu’s Call for Institutional Reform

Nwagwu also called for comprehensive institutional reform within INEC to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. He recommended periodic performance reviews, internal disciplinary systems for erring staff, and stronger collaboration with security agencies to safeguard elections.

He also urged the National Assembly to amend sections of the Electoral Act that create loopholes for manipulation, noting that legislative reforms are essential to strengthen the independence of the commission.

“If we keep appointing INEC leaders who are not shielded from political interests, we will continue to recycle electoral crises,” he stated.

The Path Forward: Restoring Hope in Nigeria’s Democracy

As the new INEC chair settles into office, expectations from citizens, international partners, and democracy advocates are high. Nwagwu’s message is clear — the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on a truly independent electoral body.

He called on Nigerians to hold INEC accountable while also supporting its genuine efforts to improve the system. “Democracy thrives when citizens engage, not when they withdraw,” he concluded.