ADC Wants Political Parties To Nominate INEC Officials

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has proposed electoral reforms that would allow political parties with at least five members in the National Assembly to participate in nominating officials to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The proposal was made during a meeting in Abuja between an ADC delegation led by Senator David Mark and the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM), headed by Barry Andrews, as part of the EU’s review of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.

Senator Mark argued that concentrating appointment power in the presidency weakens public confidence in the electoral body. “The appointment of INEC officials should not rest in the hands of one individual. Political parties that have demonstrated some level of representation in the National Assembly should be part of the nomination process to ensure fairness, balance, and credibility,” he said.

The ADC criticised aspects of the 2023 polls, saying irregularities and inconsistencies in result reporting eroded trust in outcomes. The party said its concerns focused on procedural shortcomings and called for reforms to strengthen transparency and institutional independence rather than singling out individuals. It also urged that legal channels be respected in resolving electoral disputes, and suggested that where contests are unresolved, remedies that restore public confidence — including repeat polls where appropriate and lawful — should be considered.

The ADC delegation included National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Liyel Imoke, Emeka Ihedioha, Babachir Lawal, Bolaji Abdullahi, Ibrahim Mani and Chile Igbawua. The EU team comprised Barry Andrews, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Gautier Mignot, and election experts including Ralph-Michael Peters, Eirini-Maria Gounari, Maros Gabriel, Laolu Olawumi, Osaro Odemwingie and Ruben Alba Aguilera.