Baba-Ahmed Advocates Reforms for 2027 Elections

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the national chairman of the People's Redemption Party (PRP), addressed the need for significant reforms to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair, and credible elections in 2027. Speaking in Abuja on a Sunday, Baba-Ahmed emphasized the importance of strengthening INEC to shield it from political interference and enhance public confidence in the electoral process.

He advocated for a review of the appointment process for the INEC chairman and the commission's structure, arguing that the current system grants excessive influence to the executive over the electoral body. Baba-Ahmed called for greater financial autonomy for INEC, insisting that it should be allowed to defend its budget directly to the National Assembly without executive interference.

He further urged authorities to impose stiffer penalties on politicians and individuals involved in electoral fraud and violence, noting that persistent electoral offenses largely stem from a lack of accountability for offenders. He warned that the erosion of public trust in democratic institutions could weaken Nigeria's democratic system.