Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) national chairman Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed outlines proposals for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2027. Speaking in Abuja, he says INEC needs to be strengthened and insulated from undue political influence to improve neutrality and public confidence in the electoral process.

Baba-Ahmed recommends reviewing how INEC leadership is appointed, including the process for selecting the INEC chairman, national commissioners and resident electoral commissioners (RECs), to reduce executive control over the electoral body. He also calls for budgetary independence for INEC, saying the commission should be able to defend and present its budget independently before Nigeria’s National Assembly.

In addition, he advocates tougher sanctions for politicians and others involved in electoral malpractices and election-related violence, arguing that electoral offences persist because perpetrators are rarely punished. Baba-Ahmed warns that an election lacking credibility could weaken Nigeria’s democracy and further undermine citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions.