A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Kayode Ajulo, has said the responsibilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission extend far beyond the conduct of elections, urging the electoral body to fully embrace its broader constitutional mandate to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Ajulo, in a statement made available on Thursday, noted that while INEC is widely recognised for organising elections, the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 assign the commission a wider and continuous role critical to democratic governance.
He explained that INEC, established under the 1999 Constitution, is empowered not only to conduct elections but also to register and regulate political parties, monitor their finances, and maintain an accurate register of voters.
According to him, the commission is also saddled with responsibilities such as voter education, auditing of party accounts, and promoting democratic values among citizens.
“The role of INEC is not limited to election-day activities. It covers the entire electoral process, including voter registration, party monitoring, and civic enlightenment,” he said.
Ajulo stressed that these responsibilities form the foundation of a functional democracy, noting that an updated voters’ register, transparent party financing, and informed citizens are essential for credible elections.
He expressed concern that public perception has reduced INEC’s role to that of a periodic election umpire, a development he said contributes to challenges such as flawed voter registers, weak enforcement of party regulations, and low voter participation.
The legal practitioner acknowledged recent technological innovations introduced by the commission, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal, describing them as steps in the right direction.
However, he maintained that sustaining public trust requires consistent performance across all aspects of INEC’s mandate.
Ajulo also referenced judicial pronouncements affirming the commission’s regulatory powers, adding that courts have consistently upheld its authority to issue guidelines and oversee political parties in line with constitutional provisions.
He called on INEC to prioritise continuous voter registration, strengthen oversight of party primaries and finances, and intensify civic education through collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The SAN further urged the commission to demonstrate greater independence by resisting undue influence and ensuring neutrality in all its operations.
“A credible electoral system depends on citizens’ trust. INEC must rise to its full constitutional responsibility as the guardian of Nigeria’s electoral process,” he added.
Ajulo emphasised that as preparations for future elections, including the 2027 general polls, gather momentum, the commission must show renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
He added that only by fully discharging its mandate can INEC build public confidence and contribute meaningfully to national development and democratic stability.
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