The Chairmanship Candidate of the Action People’s Party (APP) for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Ugoh Toochi Michael, has called for a fundamental reform in Nigeria’s electoral system, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot be truly independent if its chairman continues to be appointed by the President.
Speaking during an interview at the stakeholders meeting with INEC ahead of the FCT Area Council election, Ugoh criticised INEC’s track record, stating that the commission often convenes stakeholders’ meetings and makes promises during election periods but fails to deliver on credible, transparent polls.
He, however, noted that the current leadership of INEC presents an opportunity for change, expressing cautious optimism about the new chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, whose performance he said will be closely watched both locally and internationally.
According to him, the credibility of the forthcoming FCT Area Council election will serve as a test case for the commission and a pointer to its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
On the ongoing debate over the Electoral Amendment Bill at the National Assembly, particularly the provision for mandatory real-time transmission of election results, the APP candidate said Nigeria should have moved beyond such debates.
He described as “unfortunate” the recent uproar at the Senate, where lawmakers were divided over the issue, stressing that any system that guarantees instant transmission of results directly from polling units would strengthen transparency and eliminate manipulation.
Ugoh argued that although INEC is only a stakeholder in the legislative process, the commission still has a critical role to play in ensuring that reforms which promote electoral credibility are achieved.
He further maintained that the only way to guarantee INEC’s neutrality is to make the office of its chairman elective, rather than subject to presidential appointment.
“An appointee cannot go against his boss,” he said, noting that allowing stakeholders to elect the INEC chairman would eliminate bias and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s elections.
Looking ahead to the council poll, Ugoh expressed confidence in the APP’s chances, saying the party has campaigned vigorously and connected with voters across AMAC.
He pledged to run an inclusive administration if elected, stressing that AMAC belongs to all residents and not to a select few.
The APP candidate assured voters that his leadership would bring meaningful development, accountability, and a sense of ownership to the people of the municipal area council if given the mandate.
