Reps Moves to Limit INEC’s Powers

By Ekpenyong Emmanuel

The House of Representatives has initiated a move to strip the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its powers to regulate and register political parties in Nigeria.

A bill proposing the establishment of an independent authority for the registration, regulation, and funding of political parties has passed its second reading.

The proposed legislation, co-sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Edo lawmaker Marcus Onobun, seeks to remove the responsibility of registering and regulating political parties from INEC.

Instead, an independent authority would be established to oversee these functions.

The bill also proposes the establishment of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal to resolve disputes between members of political parties.

Proponents of the bill argue that INEC is overwhelmed with its current responsibilities, including conducting elections and managing political parties.

By creating an independent authority, the electoral process can be improved, and the management of political parties can be made more efficient.

The bill’s objectives include creating an independent body for the registration and regulation of political parties, establishing a disputes tribunal, and prescribing penalties for offenses by political parties and their members.

The proposed legislation has been referred to the Committees on Electoral Matters and Political Party Matters for further consideration.

If passed, the bill could significantly alter the electoral landscape in Nigeria, potentially leading to a more transparent and accountable process.

The move has sparked interest among electoral reform advocates, who see it as an opportunity to address long-standing issues with the electoral process.

However, others have expressed concerns about the potential implications of limiting INEC’s powers, arguing that it could lead to further fragmentation and confusion in the electoral process.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is likely to generate significant debate and discussion.