EU Urges Non-Political Selection of INEC Chair and RECs

• EU Ambassador urges National Assembly to review electoral laws for non-political appointments of INEC chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners
• Isopi emphasizes collaboration with Deputy Speaker to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system and bolster electoral reform and digital infrastructure

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Samuela Isopi, has called on the National Assembly to review the country’s electoral laws to ensure that the appointments of the chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are non-political.

Isopi made the appeal in Abuja on Monday during the opening of a 2-day retreat organized for senior legislative aides to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu. She stressed that such reforms would enhance transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s electoral processes.

The EU ambassador also expressed readiness to collaborate with the House of Representatives’s Deputy Speaker in critical areas to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.

“As the largest democracy in Africa, Nigeria plays a crucial role in bolstering democratic governance in West Africa, where democracy faces threats. Strengthening and deepening democracy in Nigeria is pivotal to reversing this trend and sending a powerful signal to the region,” Isopi remarked.

Isopi outlined two key priorities for the EU in Nigeria: electoral reform and digital infrastructure. She urged the National Assembly to consider amendments to the Electoral Act, especially regarding the use of technology and investment in digital infrastructure to support the electronic transmission of election results.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who chairs the constitution review committee, pledged to collaborate closely with other legislators, stakeholders, civil society organizations, and legal experts to ensure that proposed amendments align with the people’s aspirations.