By Henry Ezekiel
With the appointment of a new Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria finds itself once again at a familiar crossroads — between cautious hope and deep skepticism. While the identity of the new electoral umpire matters, the realities confronting him are far more important. The institution he inherits is bruised, distrusted, and entangled in the web of political interference that has long undermined our democracy.
A Reputation Crisis Waiting on His Desk
Before the new INEC chairman even settles into his office, he must confront a painful truth: the Commission he now leads has lost the confidence of many Nigerians. The 2023 general elections left behind a legacy of doubt — from the controversial collation process to the failure of the much-hyped Result Viewing Portal (IReV) and BVAS transmission glitches. For millions of citizens, INEC became a symbol of broken promises rather than democratic progress.
This trust deficit is not a small matter. When voters begin to believe that elections are predetermined or manipulated, democracy itself becomes hollow. The new chairman’s greatest challenge, therefore, is not organizing another election — it is rebuilding credibility from the ground up.
Structural Problems That No Individual Can Ignore
Every new INEC boss begins with fine words — independence, transparency, reform. But no rhetoric can mask the structural weaknesses baked into Nigeria’s electoral framework. The appointment of the INEC Chairman by the President, no matter how constitutional, continues to raise legitimate concerns about neutrality. It creates the perception that the referee is hired by one of the players — a perception that undermines confidence even before the first whistle.
Beyond the appointment process, INEC’s internal culture needs an overhaul. Electoral offenders — whether politicians, party agents, or even commission staff — are rarely prosecuted. The result is a system that rewards impunity and punishes honesty. Without enforcement, reforms are just paperwork.
Technology Without Integrity Is Another Lie
The new chairman inherits an institution still struggling to balance innovation with credibility. Technology like BVAS and IReV was meant to secure elections, but poor implementation turned it into a controversy. Nigerians are not against technology; they are against selective transparency. When systems work in some regions and “fail” in others, questions of fairness arise. The solution lies in consistency, not convenience.
Reform Must Begin from Within
Before he talks about ī reform, the new chairman must first reform INEC itself. He must instill discipline, professionalism, and openness within the Commission. Every official should understand that integrity is not optional; it is the foundation of electoral credibility. Internal transparency — in procurement, recruitment, logistics, and communication — will be the true measure of his leadership.
He must also rebuild bridges with the public. Civil society organizations, youth groups, and the media are not enemies of INEC; they are essential partners in ensuring accountability. The Commission must engage openly, explain its decisions, and admit its mistakes. Secrecy only breeds suspicion.
The Political Class Must Back Off
No matter how principled the new chairman may be, he cannot succeed if politicians continue to see INEC as an extension of their campaign machinery. The political elite must respect institutional independence — not just in words, but in action. The National Assembly should also use this transition period to review laws that strengthen INEC’s autonomy, funding, and operational freedom.
A Call to Courage
History will judge the new INEC chairman not by his title, but by his courage. The courage to speak truth to power. The courage to uphold the law even when it is politically inconvenient. And the courage to defend the sanctity of the vote in a nation where the ballot has too often been betrayed.
He must realize that he is not just stepping into an office — he is stepping into the heart of Nigeria’s democratic struggle. If he fails, cynicism will deepen. But if he succeeds, he will help restore the most important currency in any democracy: trust.
The real challenge before the new INEC chairman is not about conducting elections. It is about convincing Nigerians that elections still matter.
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