The Executive Director of Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), Ezenwa Nwagu, has clarified that the President of Nigeria does not appoint the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but merely nominates a candidate for the position.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Nwagu explained that the process involves several layers of scrutiny beyond the president’s desk.
“The President nominates. The DSS screens and profiles. I think the Council of States also has a role, and then the National Assembly must approve. So, the power of the National Assembly cannot be taken away,” he said.
Nwagu noted that much of the current debate on electoral reforms stems from public frustrations over perceived bias among some INEC appointees. He referenced past recommendations, including those of Justice Wale, about involving the National Judicial Council (NJC) in the process to ensure neutrality.
“Truth be told, and this is the argument I make everywhere: the President does not appoint. The President nominates. After that, other institutions come in before final approval is given,” he emphasized.
According to him, these checks and balances are critical to protecting the integrity of a “sacred institution like INEC” and ensuring credibility in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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