The lingering challenges in Nigeria’s electoral system, ranging from result management and logistics to integrity concerns, have once again come under the spotlight.
In Lagos, a support group of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for urgent restructuring of electoral reforms as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The convener of the group, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, who also leads the National Support Group for Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said past elections were marred by avoidable lapses which must not be repeated.
According to him, the 2014 National Conference had already provided a workable blueprint for reforms, particularly in the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman.
He argued that it was undemocratic for a sitting president, who is also a candidate in elections, to make such appointments.
Dr. Pearse proposed a system similar to the United States, where states have returning officers elected by the people, regardless of party affiliation.
He stressed that this would prevent a situation where the ruling party wins disproportionately in every election.
He further recommended a six-year single term presidency on a rotational basis across the geopolitical zones to ensure fairness.
Under this arrangement, regions like the South East, North East, and North Central, which have yet to produce a president, would have their turn.
The PDP chieftain also raised concerns about equity in representation at the National Assembly.
He noted that the current disparity, where the South East has five states while the North West has seven, undermines balance.
He cited the 2014 conference recommendation that each geopolitical zone should have nine states for fairness.
On economic reforms, Dr. Pearse called for devolution of powers to the states, allowing them to control and utilize their mineral resources for development.
He argued that Nigeria’s overdependence on oil revenue from the centre is unsustainable.
He also threw his weight behind state-led security outfits as a means to tackle rising insecurity across the country.
Reporting By Ngozi Kanebi