Jega asks lawmakers to proscribe cross-carpeting by politicians, wants INEC unbundled
29 November 2023 |
4:49 am
A former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has urged the 10th National Assembly to proscribe cross-carpeting by political actors, pointing out that the trend has destroyed democratic ideals.
A former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has urged the 10th National Assembly to proscribe cross-carpeting by political actors, pointing out that the trend has destroyed democratic ideals.
The professor of political science also called for immediate review of the appointment of Chairman and National Commissioners of INEC. Jega made the call at the Citizens’ Townhall on Electoral Reforms, organised by YIAGA Africa, in collaboration with the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, in Abuja, yesterday.
“If we (Nigerians) truly want to improve our electoral process, there is a need to proscribe cross-carpeting by political actors. The frequency at which Nigerian politicians cross-carpet has become a big source of worry; a candidate will be elected on Party A platform and he gets to the office and joins Party B without first resigning and relinquishing the position he or she holds in trust for the electorates. (This) has destroyed the essence of our democratic ethos,” he said.
Jega also argued that power vested only on the President to nominate the INEC Chairman and National Commissioners can no longer be said to be fair and just.
He said: “I will recommend the unbundling of INEC because the commission has a lot on its plate to deal with; a situation which has made it struggle to meet its core mandate. Some functions which INEC is currently performing should be given to another body entirely to handle, if we want to make progress on our electoral journey.
“It is my humble recommendation that there should be a review of how political parties field presidential candidates. Look at the number of registered political parties in Nigeria, and each fielding presidential candidates. But at the end of the day, only two or three score significant votes while the majority do not receive any vote.”
The former INEC boss added: “If we are serious about our electoral reforms, there must be a threshold for political parties to meet before fielding candidates in presidential elections. The rule must be set, that parties that failed to secure a certain amount of votes would not be allowed to present presidential candidates. There must be sanity in the polity and we must get it right.
“It is not only a huge waste of human and material resources; it’s absurd to have parties that cannot win a seat in the local council fielding presidential candidates in a general election. The Electoral Act and INEC Guidelines should be reviewed.”
Related
4 hours ago
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Walson-Jack, has launched new policies and guidelines aimed at repositioning the civil service. The four transformative policies and guidelines include: Rewards and Recognition Policy and Guidelines; Incentives and Consequence Management Policy and Guidelines; Mentoring Framework; and the Protocol on the Use of Federal Government Secretariat. Walson-Jack,…
1 day ago
The Federal Government has underscored the importance of social workers in the scheme of national development, saying they play an indispensable role in the nation's development and humanitarian response framework. The Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Minister, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Yilwatda, stated this in his goodwill message at the opening of the 39th Annual National…
1 day ago
The Arewa Professionals for Democracy and Development (APDD) has cautioned former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar over his recent criticisms on the loan request from President Bola Tinubu. The National Assembly had approved a $2.2 billion foreign loan request from President Tinubu, a development that was greeted with many reactions from Nigerians. Faulting the loan, Atiku…
1 day ago
At the time Odu’a Investment took off in 1976 as an offshoot of the Western State Industrial Investment and Credit Corporation, its investments were over 60 in number. Then, the company had investment in a wide spectrum of economic activities
1 day ago
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that his administration’s renewed focus in driving international and local investments in the livestock sector of the agricultural value-chain will end the recurring farmer-herder clashes
1 day ago
President Bola Tinubu has sent a letter to the Senate, requesting it to confirm Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede's appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
1 day ago
On its 76th Foundation Day Anniversary, the University of Ibadan has decided to establish the Wole Soyinka Institute in honour of one of its illustrious alumni, the Nobel Laureate, Oluwole Akinwande Babatunde Soyinka,
1 day ago
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said that his administration will award the contract for the construction of Alagbole-Akute and Akute-Oke-Aro-Ijoko roads in Ifo Local Council of the state in the next two weeks.
1 day ago
In the heart of Northern Canada, Ever Bright Complex Needs Support Services stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for youth and adults facing disabilities and complex challenges.
×
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.