fbpx
Connect with us

Politics

Why INEC Should be unbundled, Inter-Party Defections Banned – Jega

The immediate past Chairman of INEC, Prof Attahiru Jega, has called for the unbundling…

Published

on

Jaga VerseNews
Prof Attahiru Jega

The immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has called for the unbundling of the commission and a comprehensive review of the processes and procedures for the appointment of the INEC Chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners.

VerseNews reports that Jega stated this on Tuesday at a town hall meeting in Abuja, organised by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters.

INEC and the 19 registered political parties were noticeably absent at the event.

Advertisement

Jega, a professor of Political Science, also called for a law prohibiting inter-party defections, adding that the practice of jumping from one party to another had destroyed discipline and democratic ethos.

“I will recommend the unbundling of INEC because the commission has a lot on its plate to deal with, a situation which has made it struggle to meet its core mandate. Some functions that INEC is currently performing should be given to another body entirely to handle if we want to make progress on our electoral journey.

“If we truly want to improve our electoral process, there is a need to proscribe cross-carpeting by political actors. The frequency with which Nigerian politicians cross-carpet has become a big source of worry.

“A candidate will be elected on party a platform and he gets to the office and joins party b without first resigning and relinquishing the position he or she holds in trust for the electorate. This has destroyed the essence of our democratic ethos.”

Advertisement

Jaga, who called for the review of how political parties field presidential candidates said, “Look at the number of registered political parties in Nigeria and each fielding presidential candidates but at the end of the day, only two or three score significant votes while the majority do not receive any vote.

“If we are serious about our electoral reforms, there must be a threshold for political parties to meet before fielding candidates in presidential elections. The rule must be set that parties that failed to secure a certain amount of votes would not be allowed to present presidential candidates. There must be sanity in the polity and we must get it right.

“It is not only a huge waste of human and material resources, it’s absurd to have parties that cannot win a seat in the local council to field presidential candidates in a general election. The Electoral Act and INEC guidelines should be reviewed.”

Advertisement

Founder of The Albino Foundation, Jack Ekpele, called for the amendment to electoral laws to give room for persons living with disabilities to fully participate in the electoral process.

WhatsAppCOnnect

Stay ahead with VerseNews. Get the latest breaking news, insightful analysis, and trending stories. Your go-to source for timely updates and unbiased reporting.

Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WATCH: Nigeria Newspaper Headline Today

Apply For Latest Job Openings

Trending

'My Wife's Ring Can Buy 2 Or 3 Rolls Royce' - Davido Brags As Chioma Flaunts $1 Million Diamond Ring (Video) 'My Wife's Ring Can Buy 2 Or 3 Rolls Royce' - Davido Brags As Chioma Flaunts $1 Million Diamond Ring (Video)
Entertainment5 months ago

‘My Wife’s Ring Can Buy 2 Or 3 Rolls Royce’ – Davido Brags As Chioma Flaunts $1 Million Diamond Ring (Video)

Nigerian Afrobeat star Davido and his fiancée Chioma Rowland, who are set to wed on June 25th, made headlines as...

Labour Party Leadership Crisis Resolved As Abure and Apapa Factions Unite Labour Party Leadership Crisis Resolved As Abure and Apapa Factions Unite
Politics5 months ago

BREAKING: Labour Party Leadership Crisis Resolved As Abure and Apapa Factions Unite

The Labour Party's leadership crisis has ended as factions led by Julius Abure and Lamidi Apapa reconciled to present a...

EXCLUSIVE: Nigerians To Start Using Three-In-One National Identity Card Soon EXCLUSIVE: Nigerians To Start Using Three-In-One National Identity Card Soon
News5 months ago

EXCLUSIVE: Nigerians To Start Using Three-In-One National Identity Card Soon

NIMC is set to launch a versatile three-in-one identity card for Nigerians, featuring payment capabilities and social service functionalities, following...

HND Holders From Polytechnics Must Undergo One-Year Mandatory Training - FG HND Holders From Polytechnics Must Undergo One-Year Mandatory Training - FG
Education5 months ago

HND Holders From Polytechnics Must Undergo One-Year Mandatory Training – FG

Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service, has mandated HND holders to undergo a one-year training before promotion to...

EFCC Arrests Two Ex-Union Bank Employees For Stealing N4.2m From A Dead Customer's Account EFCC Arrests Two Ex-Union Bank Employees For Stealing N4.2m From A Dead Customer's Account
News5 months ago

EFCC Arrests Two Ex-Union Bank Employees For Stealing N4.2m From A Dead Customer’s Account

The EFCC arrested two former Union Bank employees in Makurdi for embezzling N4.2 million from a deceased customer's account.

Christ Embassy Church Headquarters in Lagos On Fire Christ Embassy Church Headquarters in Lagos On Fire
News5 months ago

BREAKING: Christ Embassy Church Headquarters in Lagos On Fire (Video)

The Christ Embassy Church headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos caught fire on Sunday morning.

BREAKING: Finidi George Resigns As Super Eagles Head Coach BREAKING: Finidi George Resigns As Super Eagles Head Coach
Sports6 months ago

BREAKING: Finidi George Resigns As Super Eagles Head Coach

Finidi George resigns as the head coach of the Super Eagles, following the NFF's plan to hire a foreign technical...

Tension As President Tinubu Falls, Hits Head On Parade Vehicle During Democracy Day Tension As President Tinubu Falls, Hits Head On Parade Vehicle During Democracy Day
News6 months ago

Tension As President Tinubu Falls, Hits Head On Parade Vehicle During Democracy Day (Video)

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stumbled and fell during the June 12 Democracy Day parade, sparking renewed concerns about his health.

Democracy Day: FG Announces Date for Public Holiday Democracy Day: FG Announces Date for Public Holiday
News6 months ago

Democracy Day: FG Announces Date for Public Holiday

The Federal Government has announced June 12 as a public holiday to celebrate Democracy Day.

5 Best Video Interview Software You Should Be Using 5 Best Video Interview Software You Should Be Using
Career News6 months ago

5 Best Video Interview Software You Should Be Using

Zoom, HireVue, and Spark are some of the best video interview software. These tools enhance efficiency, improve candidate experience, and...

Advertisement