Full activation of INEC mandate crucial to electoral integrity – Ajulo
AS Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Attorney General of Ondo State and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission
AS Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Attorney General of Ondo State and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen public confidence by fully embracing its constitutional responsibilities.
In a statement made available to The Nation, Ajulo maintained that INEC's responsibilities extend beyond the conduct of elections, noting that the commission was established under Section 153(1)(f) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as one of the Federal Government's independent executive bodies.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is on leave of absence as Founding Partner of Kayode Ajulo (SAN) & Co. Castle of Law, referenced Part I, Paragraph 15 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution, which empowers INEC to organise elections, register and regulate political parties, monitor and audit their finances, and maintain the national voters' register.
He explained that these provisions impose a continuous, year-round obligation on the commission, rather than limiting its functions to election periods.
Ajulo also cited the Electoral Act 2022, noting that it further expands INEC's mandate to include voter and civic education, promotion of democratic values, conduct of referendums, supervision of party primaries, regulation of campaign finance, and enforcement of internal democracy within political parties.
He argued that Continuous Voter Registration, oversight of party funding, and sustained civic enlightenment remain fundamental to the credibility and stability of the democratic process.
According to him, the reduction of INEC's role to election-day operations has contributed to systemic weaknesses, including inaccuracies in the voters' register, inconsistent enforcement of electoral guidelines, and declining public confidence in the electoral system.
Ajulo, therefore, urged the commission to strengthen its non-election responsibilities with the same level of seriousness accorded to general elections, calling for firmer regulation of political parties to address godfatherism and imposition of candidates, enhanced civic education to reduce voter apathy and misinformation, and a demonstrable commitment to institutional independence.
He further noted that judicial pronouncements by the Supreme Court have consistently affirmed INEC's broad regulatory authority under the Constitution.
The Attorney General stressed that the commission must reflect its statutory identity by demonstrating neutrality, courage, and fairness in the discharge of its duties across all political actors.
He maintained that a full and effective implementation of INEC's constitutional mandate would significantly enhance participatory democracy and rebuild public trust in Nigeria's electoral system.
