Akpabio Pushes For Electoral Act Amendment: Restoring Balance In Nigeria's Democracy

Akpabio's Vision: Bringing Back Statutory Delegates in Political Primaries

Senate President Godswill Akpabio recently made waves with an announcement that could reshape Nigeria's political landscape. At a meeting with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja, he revealed plans to reintroduce statutory delegates into political party primaries. This move, aimed at amending the 2022 Electoral Act, is set to take effect ahead of the 2027 general elections. Akpabio believes this is a crucial step toward strengthening the democratic process in Nigeria.

For context, statutory delegates are key figures in the political arena, including the president, vice president, governors, deputy governors, members of parliament, and local council chairmen. Their exclusion from the primaries during the 2023 elections and the 2022 primaries was, according to Akpabio, an unintended consequence that needs to be addressed. He emphasized that their absence significantly impacted the inclusivity of the electoral process, leaving a gap that needed to be filled.

Why the Electoral Act Needs Fixing

Speaking candidly, Akpabio highlighted the flaws in the previous Electoral Act. "There were defects in the last Electoral Act that need to be addressed. In the 2023 elections and the 2022 primaries, we inadvertently created what I may call super-delegates," he explained. This wasn't a deliberate move by parliament, yet it had profound implications for the democratic process. Statutory delegates were effectively sidelined, meaning that unless they contested as ad hoc delegates, they had no role in selecting party flag bearers for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections.

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Akpabio stressed the importance of inclusivity in democracy. "Democracy is about numbers. When statutory delegates were omitted, it meant that unless one contested as an ad hoc delegate, they had no role in selecting party flag bearers for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections. We need to fix this," he said. This exclusion not only reduced the number of participants but also diminished the diversity of voices in the selection process, which is critical for a vibrant democracy.

Rebalancing Power: INEC and Political Parties

Akpabio also touched on the balance of power between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties. He expressed concern that INEC had seemingly become the final arbiter in candidate selection, overshadowing the role of political parties. "It seemed as if INEC became the final arbiter on candidate selection, rather than the political parties. We must ensure that parties retain the power to choose candidates who best represent their manifestos and have the integrity and track record to deliver democratic dividends to the people," he added.

This sentiment underscores the importance of political parties in shaping the future of the nation. By giving them the autonomy to select candidates who align with their values, the process becomes more authentic and representative of the electorate's needs.

Akpabio Calls for Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession

Beyond the realm of electoral reforms, Akpabio turned his attention to the legal profession. He urged the NBA to take a firm stance in upholding professional ethics and weeding out impostors who tarnish the image of the legal field. "It is the duty of the NBA to weed out such quacks to protect the integrity of the profession," Akpabio told the NBA delegation.

He pointed out that some individuals, despite lacking proper credentials, have managed to rise to prominence in the legal community. This is not only misleading but also harmful to the reputation of genuine legal practitioners who work tirelessly to uphold justice and the rule of law.

NBA President Responds: A Call for Justice Sector Reforms

In response, NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) echoed Akpabio's sentiments and encouraged the National Assembly to leverage the ongoing constitutional amendment process to implement much-needed justice sector reforms. Osigwe also shared a personal anecdote from the early 1990s, recounting how he exposed an impostor at the Igbosere Magistrate Court in Lagos. The individual, a History graduate from the University of Calabar, was falsely practicing as a lawyer, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance and accountability within the legal profession.

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Through these discussions, both Akpabio and Osigwe underscored the importance of integrity and transparency in both the electoral and legal systems. Their efforts aim to create a more inclusive, ethical, and representative society for all Nigerians.