The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled an ambitious proposal for constitutional and legal reforms aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s electoral system, including provisions for Nigerians in the Diaspora, inmates, and essential workers to vote in future elections.
In a policy document titled “Issues and Contentions in the Electoral Legal Framework: An Overview from INEC’s Submission,” released on Monday, the commission called for amendments to several sections of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. The reforms are intended to expand voter access, modernize identification methods, and create new regulatory institutions to improve electoral integrity.
INEC is advocating for the introduction of early, special, out-of-country, Diaspora, and inmate voting. If approved, these changes would allow eligible Nigerians living abroad, election personnel, individuals on essential duties, and incarcerated citizens to participate in elections for the first time.
“Amend Sections 12 and 45 of the Electoral Act to provide for early/special and related forms of voting,” the document states. “This includes introducing a new subsection to allow Nigerians outside the country to vote, as well as those under incarceration and others who may be unavailable during regular polling hours.”
In a move toward digital transformation, INEC also proposed updates to voter identification regulations. This includes allowing electronically downloadable voter cards and the acceptance of alternative IDs approved by the commission—potentially reducing logistical challenges associated with physical PVCs.
Beyond voter access and ID modernization, the commission proposed the creation of two new institutions:
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An Electoral Offences Commission to investigate and prosecute election-related crimes.
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A Political Party Regulatory Agency to oversee internal party governance, registration, and compliance.
These new agencies would take over several functions currently handled by INEC, requiring the amendment of at least 17 sections of the Electoral Act.
Another key proposal would grant INEC authority to appoint and discipline Heads of State and FCT Offices, strengthening its administrative control and standardizing operations nationwide.
INEC stressed that these recommendations are the product of years of operational experience, judicial decisions, and consultations with civil society and election observers. While the 2022 Electoral Act brought progress, the commission believes that more sweeping structural changes are needed to future-proof Nigeria’s democracy.
“The reforms we propose are not just for solving today’s issues but for building a system that ensures long-term transparency, inclusiveness, and efficiency,” the report concluded.
The proposals have already been reviewed by a joint technical committee of the National Assembly and INEC, with legislative action expected in the coming months.
If adopted, these reforms would mark one of the most significant transformations in Nigeria’s electoral history, potentially enabling millions of disenfranchised Nigerians to finally cast their votes.
