Forum of Scholars Partner NLC, TUC to Advance Electoral Reform
Abuja (Core Reporters) In a bid to advance comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s electoral system, the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trades Unions Congress (TUC) have formed a Coalition.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Coalition’s Coordinator, Dr. Sam Amadi noted that the aim is to advance comprehensive electoral reform in three areas
Dr. Amadi said the first area is to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) becomes very efficient, capable and accountable, and its processes are participatory to parties.
According to him, the second area is to make the appointment of INEC officials much more accountable, while the third is to work with the federal and state government to use the electoral dispudent of the court to ensure INEC does not certify electoral rigging.
Dr. Amadi, who is the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), said the Coalition will be a popular demand led by the labour unions who have the responsibility to fight for the good of the people.
He said the working class people will work together with all and sundry Nigerians to make sure the 2027 election allows Nigeria to escape the fate of other African countries where junta are ruling.
While warning that Nigeria must not be allowed to fall into that category, he said the remedy is free and fair elections that give everybody the chance and hope to remove any government whether at the Federal, State or Local level.
Emphasizing on the timely formation of the Coalition, he added, “INEC needs to be reformed as an institution for it to be guaranteed. If you don’t build up the capability of INEC to be a very efficient and rule-based platform like the electoral board, you are wasting your time.
“The electoral crisis in Nigeria is because INEC is a thoroughly inefficient and corrupt institution which cannot deliver credible elections”.
