Prominent political leaders have called on the Federal Government to initiate comprehensive reforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call came during a high-level panel discussion hosted by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership in Abuja,.with the themed “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025: Gains, Gaps, and the Road Ahead,
Former Minister Rauf Aregbesola proposed reforms to how INEC’s leadership is appointed, stressing the need for greater involvement of political parties with parliamentary representation to boost public confidence.
Also, Governor Soludo highlighted that credible elections reflect good governance and called for reforms to deepen institutional independence.
Governor Lawal linked the strength of democracy to adherence to the rule of law and accountability while the forrmer Minister Osita Chidoka said Nigeria’s electoral challenges are rooted in weak institutions and low public trust,
The forum concluded with a consensus that Nigeria’s democratic future hinges on credible electoral institutions, welcoming the launch of the Athena Election Observatory as a vital tool for evidence-based advocacy and independent electoral monitoring.