Is INEC Really Independent In Nigeria?

[Mayor of ogba]

People knows the truth, what is good and should be obtainable but the problem here is that does your voice count? The answer is no people has been talking about changes that can be good to foster the growth of the economy as a whole and in various sectors and arms of the government but all to no avail, we are only good at talking about it but don't have all it takes to implement them as a result of the high level of corruption among politicians who are only interested in their selfish interest other than what will beneficial to the general public.

I agree with you that people knows the truth and what to do to make Nigeria a working country that will be beneficial to everyone but the fear of getting killed if they say the truth is what is still keeping Nigeria in this condition. There have been killings in my local government recently, people knows the person that mastermind those killings but no one is bold enough to mention the name of the man for justice to prevail rather everyone chooses to remain mute and live in fear. If we aren't ready to face our fear in Nigeria our leaders will continue to use us for a fool and use what is meant for everyone for their own use.

[Roseline492]

I agree with you that people knows the truth and what to do to make Nigeria a working country that will be beneficial to everyone but the fear of getting killed if they say the truth is what is still keeping Nigeria in this condition. There have been killings in my local government recently, people knows the person that mastermind those killings but no one is bold enough to mention the name of the man for justice to prevail rather everyone chooses to remain mute and live in fear. If we aren't ready to face our fear in Nigeria our leaders will continue to use us for a fool and use what is meant for everyone for their own use.

Mentioning people will not even keep anywhere safe in the country because is like knowing the truth without solution, for instance, on the killing that is happening in your local government even if they no that someone is behind it, do you think that an accusation could put the person behind bars?, is not going to work except there is a proof to give the police if they're not corrupt if not they cannot arrest the person so that's why mentioning will not eradicate the killing. Is the same thing on our federal government because those people that has been speaking up have lost their voices and also their interest.

[Halifat]

Well well for clear understanding for such people are not yet shown the way of INEC and for election ideas. In a good way a good response  for democracy any time to add up many people still not yet believe that election is not good its weakness to control in the system way of it during the way. What Nigeria is still not getting is the lack of transparency, account and the truth election also as the confidence in the results.

They actually know what they are doing which is the reason why they are not transparents, they really don't want this country to work that is why they keep on disturbing the oppositions. Inec is not an institution anymore talkless of an independent institution, they are acting with others that is why we could not be able to see that transparency in them. 2027 is around the corner and I don't see anything that will come out differently from them. They have already planned everything is only God that can save us now.

[TrialBitcoin]

I agree with you that people knows the truth and what to do to make Nigeria a working country that will be beneficial to everyone but the fear of getting killed if they say the truth is what is still keeping Nigeria in this condition. There have been killings in my local government recently, people knows the person that mastermind those killings but no one is bold enough to mention the name of the man for justice to prevail rather everyone chooses to remain mute and live in fear. If we aren't ready to face our fear in Nigeria our leaders will continue to use us for a fool and use what is meant for everyone for their own use.

I completely agree. Fear has become one of the biggest tools keeping bad leadership and injustice alive in Nigeria. When people are too afraid to speak because they fear being attacked or killed, those responsible for wrongdoing become even more powerful. However, people’s safety must also come first. We need institutions that can protect witnesses, investigate crimes independently, and ensure that speaking the truth does not become a death sentence. Nigeria can only change when both leaders and citizens are held accountable, but that accountability must be built on a system that protects those who speak up.

[Berry2d]

Well well for clear understanding for such people are not yet shown the way of INEC and for election ideas. In a good way a good response  for democracy any time to add up many people still not yet believe that election is not good its weakness to control in the system way of it during the way. What Nigeria is still not getting is the lack of transparency, account and the truth election also as the confidence in the results.

They actually know what they are doing which is the reason why they are not transparents, they really don't want this country to work that is why they keep on disturbing the oppositions. Inec is not an institution anymore talkless of an independent institution, they are acting with others that is why we could not be able to see that transparency in them. 2027 is around the corner and I don't see anything that will come out differently from them. They have already planned everything is only God that can save us now.

Yes Nigerians leaders have never thought of the well been of this great nation because they know if things work the same way it is supposed to me they won't have the power to operate as they do now.
My greatest concern is what do they stand to gain now that the citizens are been destroyed by insecurit, hunger and all associated to wickedness.
The development of a nation is supposed to be the primary objective of a good leader but that of African leaders are different instead they prefer having all even if citizens are suffering and dieing in the country.  But of a truth i don't know if i will say the above stated challenge is common in the lifes of all African leaders because almost all African countries are suffering same thing.

[Iamgoat]

I agree with you that people knows the truth and what to do to make Nigeria a working country that will be beneficial to everyone but the fear of getting killed if they say the truth is what is still keeping Nigeria in this condition. There have been killings in my local government recently, people knows the person that mastermind those killings but no one is bold enough to mention the name of the man for justice to prevail rather everyone chooses to remain mute and live in fear. If we aren't ready to face our fear in Nigeria our leaders will continue to use us for a fool and use what is meant for everyone for their own use.

It is quite unfortunate for us to have gotten here. We are supposed to be practicing democracy where everyone has the power and ability to speak and to be heard. Once people are scared of speaking for one reason or the other, we have already lost the sense of democracy in the country and government too. The country has really been held captive by the politicians who are supposed to be public servants, serving for the interests of the people, now they are the ones who do and undo when it comes to the affairs of the country and the welfare of the people making people to be more subjected to them and to their own interests.

[Yeesha]

It is quite unfortunate for us to have gotten here. We are supposed to be practicing democracy where everyone has the power and ability to speak and to be heard. Once people are scared of speaking for one reason or the other, we have already lost the sense of democracy in the country and government too. The country has really been held captive by the politicians who are supposed to be public servants, serving for the interests of the people, now they are the ones who do and undo when it comes to the affairs of the country and the welfare of the people making people to be more subjected to them and to their own interests.

They are violating the rights of the citizens and that's why we end up here, if not, we most have been far by now. Politicians are busy solving their own problems. They don't have time to prioritise the situation or the problems of the citizens. Under the book of law (which is constitution) we have freedom of speech, which does not exist physically. Our leaders definitely know the appropriate steps to make in order to make Nigeria a better place. Majority of our leaders doesn't base in Nigeria, they suppose to be our protector but they failed to fulfil their jobs respectfully.

[Bitcoin Maxi]

In Nigeria INEC is not independent as long as the INEC board leadership is appointed by the president.  They solely depend on political leaders and do what ever they are asked to do. The funny thing is that they can actually  resist political pressures and stand on their core values as an institution but they don't because the politicians appoint heads that will favour them and work according to their interests meanwhile it's not supposed to be so. INEC has core autonomy. They were supposed to conduct free and fair elections and ensure that the aspirations and votes of Nigerian are met, but see where we are now democracy is lost our voices can no longer be heard.

[Mpamaegbu]

I dey always tell myself say as long as nah human being dey handle any position, comma must dey. E no easy to dey transparent for this country because them must silence you if you no hold better protection.

The way u take put am for there, e com bi like na hopeless situation and we nor fit com out of it. See, during dat period wey late Sani Abacha wanted to transit himself into a civilian president afta dat maradona called IBB cancelled d widely acknowledged free and fair elections for Naija in 1993 na im I see hopelessness last. But wetin happen surprised everybodi at d dying minute. Wetin dey sup now for Naija in terms of elections nor reach wetin IBB and Abacha take awa eyes see then. But to God bi d glory today.

On d human aspect wey u talk about INEC and sey e go hard to get persin wey dey transparent, rememba former electoral chairman in d persin of Humphrey Nwosu. Dat man was bold to challenge d military junta then. Na during Prof Maurice Iwu bad bad things entered awa electoral process. Dat man nor be am at all at all.

[SDS11]

Well well for clear understanding for such people are not yet shown the way of INEC and for election ideas. In a good way a good response  for democracy any time to add up many people still not yet believe that election is not good its weakness to control in the system way of it during the way. What Nigeria is still not getting is the lack of transparency, account and the truth election also as the confidence in the results.

I understand what you are trying to say. Nigerians are not tired of democracy, they are tired of rigging. People will believe in elections when INEC makes it transparent. Upload results live, punish riggers, let vote count. Once trust returns, voters turnout will increase.

[TrialBitcoin]

In Nigeria INEC is not independent as long as the INEC board leadership is appointed by the president.  They solely depend on political leaders and do what ever they are asked to do. The funny thing is that they can actually  resist political pressures and stand on their core values as an institution but they don't because the politicians appoint heads that will favour them and work according to their interests meanwhile it's not supposed to be so. INEC has core autonomy. They were supposed to conduct free and fair elections and ensure that the aspirations and votes of Nigerian are met, but see where we are now democracy is lost our voices can no longer be heard.

I agree that the independence of INEC is very important for credible elections in Nigeria. When the president has a major role in appointing its leadership, it raises concerns about whether the commission can operate without political influence. INEC must prove its independence through its actions, not just its name. Our democracy can only be strengthened when every vote counts and leaders understand that power comes from the people. Nigerians deserve an electoral system they can trust, where the people's mandate is respected regardless of who wins or loses.

[Xackie]

Well well for clear understanding for such people are not yet shown the way of INEC and for election ideas. In a good way a good response  for democracy any time to add up many people still not yet believe that election is not good its weakness to control in the system way of it during the way. What Nigeria is still not getting is the lack of transparency, account and the truth election also as the confidence in the results.

I understand what you are trying to say. Nigerians are not tired of democracy, they are tired of rigging. People will believe in elections when INEC makes it transparent. Upload results live, punish riggers, let vote count. Once trust returns, voters turnout will increase.

INEC are always in the control of the president, because he can remove the chairman if he doesn't comply to his demands.  Therefore replacing him with another person that he can control.  For Inec to be fully independent , that means choosing of a new chairman won't be done by through president appointment instead they pass through rigorous interviews from both senate and house of rep . Their allocation must come directly from another source not from the FG and monthly public investigations must be carried on them . That's only way I know INEC can start showing act of transparency and accountability.  I know that this upcoming election is already wrapped up, they just need we the citizens to vote for this election before they can  announce their chosen winner. 

[Pearl_20]

INEC is a body that is supposed to be on it's own without been controlled by the government, they're meant to be conducting free and fair election without being biased. It's now different where as INEC chairman is now appointed by individual's to favour them, if the government doesn't support them most times nothing is done, Nigerians don't even trust them anymore because of how they rig elections.

INEC isn't dependent by what they stand for, they're fully dependent on these politicians and government before carrying out their activities.

[Juicyhome]

I am motivated to ask this question because of what have been going on in Nigeria election, and in the electoral body. The INEC body is no longer independent, and are being ordered about by Nigeria politicians instead of standing on their ground as an independent body. Their is no longer trust in the INEC body as they dance to the toon of politicians who square them with money, and make unfaithful promises to them.
This is an issue of great concern in the Nigeria electoral system, and something has to be done in other to solve this electoral problem that is being caused by INEC because is no longer a trusted body.

What is your take on this?

was there anytime INEC was independent in Nigeria? Ever since INEC was formed the president and state Governors has been controlling INEC, they have never been independent,  they're corrupt and bias in their results.

No Nigerians trusted INEC,  because they're agents of the state, they manipulate results for rich politicians,  we can never trust them until the president stop appointing the INEC chairman and the institution gain independent funding instead of state funding.

[Uhwuchukwu53]

The question answer is simple no, our system of politics INEC can't be independent reason been it's been appointed by the president whose interest may be to run another term of office all the interest of the seating president or opposition would centered on getting the rightful personnel on INEC to deliver them and they always used INEC as tool to achieve their goals and objectives of retaining their offices, the only way INEC can be independent is when everything that concerned INEC is free from appointment by either by the judiciary, president or any political body but by merit through INEC official by their internal election or selection within the INEC body without external interference.

[Somto9Light]

The question answer is simple no, our system of politics INEC can't be independent reason been it's been appointed by the president whose interest may be to run another term of office all the interest of the seating president or opposition would centered on getting the rightful personnel on INEC to deliver them and they always used INEC as tool to achieve their goals and objectives of retaining their offices, the only way INEC can be independent is when everything that concerned INEC is free from appointment by either by the judiciary, president or any political body but by merit through INEC official by their internal election or selection within the INEC body without external interference.

Funny enough it's the president that appoints INEC chairman, what does that tells us? he has the ability to influence the decisions of INEC during elections. INEC is not a non governmental organisation, therefore they can never be independent. I don't even know the reason for the independent in the acronym, it's supposed to just be National Electoral Commission. Election is supposed to be conducted by a neutral body who and the INEC chairman is supposed to be by election and not appointment by the presidency.

[Berry2d]

The question answer is simple no, our system of politics INEC can't be independent reason been it's been appointed by the president whose interest may be to run another term of office all the interest of the seating president or opposition would centered on getting the rightful personnel on INEC to deliver them and they always used INEC as tool to achieve their goals and objectives of retaining their offices, the only way INEC can be independent is when everything that concerned INEC is free from appointment by either by the judiciary, president or any political body but by merit through INEC official by their internal election or selection within the INEC body without external interference.

Looking at it constitutionally the INEC is supposed to be an independent institution that takes no instruction from any arm of government but because its original value has changed and everything working in accordance to the area it has been manipulated.
On this i think it's the right time INEC selectional pattern most changed so they wont operate with fear but stand to make profitable decisions for the citizens of the country.
In Nigeria today INEC do not have the open right to make fair decision because they will work in line to the decision of the people that brought them into it.

[Sally9256]

I am motivated to ask this question because of what have been going on in Nigeria election, and in the electoral body. The INEC body is no longer independent, and are being ordered about by Nigeria politicians instead of standing on their ground as an independent body. Their is no longer trust in the INEC body as they dance to the toon of politicians who square them with money, and make unfaithful promises to them.
This is an issue of great concern in the Nigeria electoral system, and something has to be done in other to solve this electoral problem that is being caused by INEC because is no longer a trusted body.

What is your take on this?

From the name INEC, it stands for an independent body so it is supposed to be independent but you know how it is in Nigeria, everything is being affected by corruption and everything is easily controlled by the ruling party so I am not surprised that INEC is under the control of a certain party, this is not the first time we've suspected a thing like that with INEC.
What brothers me most is that if a body meant to deliver a free and fair election is corrupt how exactly will the country get better? I don't think that will happen anytime soon because the corrupt leaders are not ready to make way and are doing anything possible to retain power.

Something definitely has to be done. What is that? I don't know exactly and I don't think anything done can prevent the rigging of elections.