The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for sweeping amendments to Nigeria’s Constitution and electoral laws, urging lawmakers to allow Nigerians living abroad, incarcerated individuals, and those engaged in essential services during elections to vote in future polls.
The proposals, which form part of a broader push to modernise Nigeria’s electoral process, were outlined in a policy paper presented by the commission on Monday. Titled “Issues and Contentions in the Electoral Legal Framework: An Overview from INEC’s Submission,” the document highlights key legislative changes aimed at improving inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency.
INEC recommended specific constitutional and legal revisions that would introduce early voting, special voting for election personnel, Diaspora voting, and inmate participation in elections. The commission identified Sections 12 and 45 of the Electoral Act 2022 as requiring amendment to legally accommodate these categories of voters.
The reform proposal stated: “Amend Sections 12 and 45… to enable early/special voting for essential workers, election officials, incarcerated persons, and Nigerians abroad.”
Beyond expanding voter access, INEC also advocated for digitising voter identification by enabling voters to use electronically downloadable ID cards or other commission-approved identification methods. This would replace the current sole reliance on physical Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Relevant sections suggested for amendment include Sections 47 and 16 of the Electoral Act.
INEC also pushed for the creation of two new independent bodies, namely; The Electoral Offences Commission and The Political Party Regulatory Agency.
According to the commission, these bodies would take over certain functions currently handled by INEC, requiring the amendment of at least 15 sections of the Electoral Act that relate to party registration, monitoring, and internal democracy.
The commission further recommended granting INEC the authority to appoint and discipline heads of state and FCT electoral offices, which would give the agency more administrative control over elections at the subnational level.
INEC emphasised that the proposed reforms stem from years of operational experience, court judgments, observer reports, and feedback from stakeholders, stressing that while the 2022 Electoral Act was a major step forward, additional changes are needed to deepen Nigeria’s democratic progress.
The commission noted that the proposals have already been reviewed by a joint technical committee of the National Assembly and INEC, raising expectations that legislative amendments may soon follow.
INEC concluded that electoral reform is not merely about fixing short-term issues but is necessary for safeguarding the long-term credibility, accountability, and accessibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.
