The Nigerian House of Representatives has moved closer to establishing an independent authority to oversee the registration, regulation, and funding of political parties, as a landmark bill passed its second reading.
Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Representative Marcus Onobun, the proposed legislation aims to enhance transparency and stability in Nigeria’s democratic system. If enacted, the new regulatory body would take over key functions currently handled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including party registration, funding oversight, and dispute resolution.
The bill comes amid growing concerns about INEC’s independence, particularly regarding political interference in the appointment of electoral commissioners. Former President Goodluck Jonathan and former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega have both voiced concerns about the commission’s neutrality. Jonathan stressed the importance of an autonomous electoral body, stating, “The electoral commission must be fully independent, and we must have credible people.” Jega echoed this sentiment, noting that political interference in appointments and removals of election officials threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.
Additionally, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has been advocating for the creation of an electoral offence tribunal to address delays in prosecuting election-related violations. The proposed regulatory body could help address such issues while ensuring fairer oversight of political parties.
With 19 registered political parties in Nigeria, the establishment of an independent regulator could bring significant changes to the country’s political landscape. As the bill progresses, it is expected to undergo further scrutiny and debate before it can be signed into law.
