2027: How INEC can achieve free, fair, credible elections – Baba-Ahmed

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National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has outlined measures for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2027.

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Baba-Ahmed, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, said that the commission must be strengthened to insulate it from undue political influence.

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He said that the appointment of the INEC chairman, national commissioners and resident electoral commissioners (RECs) should be reviewed to reduce executive control over the electoral body.

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“The moment you hand over an electoral body to a partisan administration that wants to retain power, you create serious questions about its neutrality,” he said.

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The PRP national chairman advocated for budgetary independence for INEC, arguing that the commission should be allowed to defend its budget independently before the National Assembly.

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He also called for tougher sanctions against politicians and individuals who engage in electoral malpractices and violence.

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According to him, electoral offences have continued to thrive because perpetrators are rarely punished.

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“Politicians who compromise the electoral process must face the consequences of their actions. The culture of impunity must end,” he said.

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Baba-Ahmed, a former Secretary to INEC, warned that any election lacking credibility could further weaken Nigeria’s democracy and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

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He added that broader reforms, aimed at strengthening key institutions such as INEC, would be central to the PRP’s restructuring agenda for the country.

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