The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the November 8 Anambra governorship election, Mr. John Chuma Nwosu, has advocated for a reform in the appointment process of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, stating that the responsibility should not rest solely with the President.
In a wide-ranging interview, Nwosu emphasized the need for a more communal approach to selecting the electoral body's leadership to ensure independence and impartiality in Nigeria's electoral processes.
"Since the INEC chairman is a referee, he should not be appointed by a player, in this case the president. There should be a way of communally selecting or electing the INEC chairman, so he is not beholden to the person who appointed him, but to the Constitution," Nwosu stated.
Electoral Reforms and Institutional Strength
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Nwosu criticized INEC's performance, describing it as "sub-optimal" and highlighting what he sees as institutional weaknesses in Nigeria's electoral system.
"We should not be overly concerned about individuals as we should be about weak national institutions. But, given our sad past national electoral experiences, we must put into electoral offices, people who are credible and accountable, as well as people who show moral probity and respect for the rule of law," he emphasized.
Vision for Anambra State
On his plans for Anambra if elected, Nwosu outlined his SHEEEMS governance platform focusing on Security, Health, Education, Economy, Environment, Markets, and Social Welfare. He promised to improve upon former Governor Peter Obi's Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS) model.
The ADC candidate also criticized incumbent Governor Charles Soludo's administration, claiming he has failed to deliver on his promises to transform Anambra into "Dubai and Taiwan."
"Today, he is focusing on infrastructure at the expense of peace, security and quality of life in Anambra. He promised the people Dubai and Taiwan, and delivered zilch," Nwosu remarked.
Security Challenges and Solutions
Addressing security concerns in Anambra, Nwosu proposed a technology-driven approach combined with conventional security measures. He advocated for better training and equipment for security personnel, implementation of CCTV systems in key locations including the state airport, and improved electricity supply.
"If you light up the state, then 50 percent of the security problems are solved," he stated, adding that security is fundamental to attracting both foreign and local investors.
National Restructuring
On the broader national issues, Nwosu supported calls for restructuring Nigeria, describing the current system as dysfunctional with a weakened federalism. He suggested formalizing a seven political zones structure to leverage comparative advantages of each region.
"Our present structure has made the nation dysfunctional and our federalism very weak; power and resource sharing remain contentious," he noted.
The November 8 Anambra governorship election is expected to be conducted under a new INEC leadership, making Nwosu's comments on electoral management particularly relevant to the upcoming polls.
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