Kenneth Okonkwo questions INEC’s credibility, calls for reforms ahead of 2027 polls

Lawyer and former presidential campaign spokesperson, Dr. Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s defence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that the electoral body must undergo significant reforms before the 2027 general elections.

Okonkwo’s comments came in response to President Tinubu’s recent assertion that INEC remains an independent institution capable of conducting credible, free and fair elections.

The former Labour Party chieftain argued that unresolved issues arising from the 2023 general elections continue to undermine public confidence in the electoral commission, particularly concerns surrounding the management of the presidential election.

Speaking during a political programme, Okonkwo maintained that INEC’s credibility was weakened by operational lapses, especially the controversy surrounding the electronic transmission of polling unit results through the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

According to him, declaring the commission neutral without addressing the shortcomings exposed during the 2023 elections would do little to restore public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

“An electoral body that failed to adhere strictly to its own guidelines and statutory promises during a critical national election cannot simply be declared neutral without genuine reform,” Okonkwo said.

He called for comprehensive electoral reforms, including greater transparency in the appointment of electoral officials, strict compliance with electronic transmission of election results and accountability for officials found to have violated electoral guidelines.

Okonkwo argued that such measures are necessary to strengthen the credibility of future elections and improve public confidence in the democratic process.

The comments add to the growing debate over electoral reforms as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have maintained that INEC operates independently and is capable of delivering credible elections, opposition figures and several civil society groups continue to advocate reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability within the electoral system.

Political analysts say the debate over electoral integrity is expected to remain a major issue in the run-up to the 2027 polls, with public confidence in the electoral process likely to influence voter participation and the credibility of future elections.