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Rather than having the head of the electoral commission appointed by the president, former Rivers State governor Celestine Omehia has called for INEC chairman elections.
Omehia proposed in his book “Restructuring Nigeria: The Way Forward” that in order to guarantee equal representation, INEC national commissioners should be elected at the province level.
He stressed the importance of a constitutional guarantee to INEC’s autonomy from the executive branch in terms of its funding.
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Although Omehia’s ideas may be uncommon, he firmly believed that they would empower sub-national governments and bolster democracy in Nigeria.
“I proposed holding an election to choose the INEC national chairman rather than an appointment in my book.
Afterwards, the remaining commissioners are required to travel to the province because of the impact of the elections on the states.
Omehia pointed out that in order to appoint INEC national commissioners, an election at the province level is necessary.