About Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
INEC History
The origin of Electoral bodies in Nigeria can be traced to the period before Independence when the Electoral Commission of Nigeria (ECN) was established to conduct 1959 elections. The Federal Electoral Commission (FEC), established in 1960 conducted the immediate post-independence federal and regional elections of 1964 and 1965 respectively.
The electoral body was however, dissolved after the military coup of 1966. In 1978, a new Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) was constituted by the regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo. FEDECO organized the elections of 1979, which ushered in the Second Republic under the leadership of Alhaji Shehu Shagari. It also conducted the general elections of 1983.
In December 1995, the military government of General Sani Abacha, which earlier dissolved NEC in 1993, established the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), which also conducted another set of elections; Local Government councils to National Assembly. These elected institutions were however not inaugurated before the sudden death of General Abacha, on June 1998 aborted the process. In 1998 General Abdulsalam Abubakar’s Administration dissolved NECON and established the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The body organized all transitional elections that ushered in the 4th republic on May 29 1999. It has today repositioned itself to deliver credible elections that would sustain Nigeria’s nascent democracy.
As a permanent body, INEC comprises the workforce recruited since 1987 under the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC). Its presence has been established in all the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory as well as in the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria.
The Commission
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was established by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to among other things organize elections into various political offices in the country.
The Commission is made up of a Chairman, and 12 National Commissioners.
The functions of INEC as contained in Section 15, Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and Section 2 of the Electoral Act 2010 (As Amended) include the following:
- Organise, undertake and supervise all elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President, the Governor and Deputy Governor of a State, and to the membership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly of each state of the federation
- Register political parties in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and Act of the National Assembly
- Monitor the organization and operation of the political parties, including their finances; conventions, congresses and party primaries.
- Arrange for the annual examination and auditing of the funds and accounts of political parties, and publish a report on such examination and audit for public information
- Arrange and conduct the registration of persons qualified to vote and prepare, maintain and revise the register of voters for the purpose of any election under this constitution
- Monitor political campaigns and provide rules and regulations which shall govern the political parties
- Conduct voter and civic education
- Promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes
- Conduct any referendum required to be conducted pursuant to the provision of the 1999 Constitution or any other law or Act of the National Assembly
Mission Statement
Vision Statement
The vision of INEC is to be one of the best Election Management Bodies (EMB) in the world that meets the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Values
- Autonomy: INEC shall carry out all its functions independently, free from external control and influence.
- Transparency: INEC shall display openness and transparency in all its activities and in its relationship with all stakeholders.
- Integrity: INEC shall maintain truthfulness and honesty in all its dealings at all times
- Credibility: INEC shall ensure that no action or activity is taken in support of any candidate or political party.
- Impartiality: INEC shall ensure the creation of a level playing field for all political actors.
- Dedication: INEC shall be committed to providing quality electoral services efficiently and effectively, guided by best international practice and standards
- Equity: INEC shall ensure fairness and justice in dealing with all stakeholders.
- Excellence: INEC shall be committed to the promotion of merit and professionalism as the basis for all its actions.
- Team work: INEC shall create a conducive environment that promotes teamwork among its staff at all levels.
- Carry out such other functions as may be conferred upon it by an Act of the National Assembly.
Quick Timelines of Nigeria's Electoral Commissions (1959 - Date)
ECN: 1959
Electoral Commission of Nigeria (ECN) conducted the Independence Elections that ushered Nigeria into self-rule.
NEC: 1987 – 1993
National Electoral Commission (NEC) introduced the option A4 and the open ballot system.
Conducted the June 12, 1993 presidential election(widely acclaimed as free and fair)
Election annulled, NEC later dissolved.
FEC: 1960 – 19966
Federal Electoral Commission (FEC) managed the 1964 federal elections and the 1965 regional elections.
Dissolved after the 1966 military coup.
NECON: 1993 – 1998
National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON) supervised local government and state elections under Abacha.
Oversaw the controversial five-party transition programme.
Disbanded after Abacha’s death.
FEDECO: 1978 -1983
Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) conducted the 1979 elections (return to civilian rule).
Organized the 1983 elections, a military takeover later set it aside.
INEC: 1998 – Present
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was Established by General Abdulsalami Abubakar
Conducted the 1999 elections that ushered in the fourth republic
Has since conducted all general elections (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023).
Introduced reforms such as Smart Card Readers, BVAS, IReV and the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.