How INEC Can Ensure Free, Fair, and Credible Elections in 2027 – Baba‑Ahmed

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed, outlined steps the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can take to conduct free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.

Speaking on Sunday, Baba‑Ahmed said INEC must be strengthened and protected from undue political interference to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

The former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on political matters called for a review of how the INEC Chairman, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) are appointed. He argued that the current system gives the executive branch excessive influence over the electoral body.

"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.

He also urged for greater financial autonomy for the commission, insisting that INEC should be allowed to present and defend its budget directly before the National Assembly without executive interference.

Baba‑Ahmed further urged authorities to impose stiffer penalties on politicians and others involved in electoral fraud and violence. He noted that the persistence of electoral offences is largely due to a lack of accountability for offenders.

"Politicians who compromise the electoral process must face the consequences of their actions. The culture of impunity must end," he added.