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About 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 the 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 conduct, however, gave rise to a military intervention in the polity on January 15, 1966. Hence, Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) was established to steer the affairs of state until a transition to civil rule. 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 came into power with the 1993 coup, established the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), which also conducted transitional council elections into Local Government councils.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar on dissolution of NECON, subsequently established the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The inauguration of the Independent National Electoral Commission heralded a new era on May 29, 1999. It has since progressively worked to deliver credible, transparent, and fair elections across the federation.

As a permanent body, INEC strengthened the workforce recruited since 1998 under the deputy directors and Electoral Officers (EOs). Its presence has been established in all the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as across the 774 Local Government Areas in 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 public offices in the country.

The Commission is made up of a Chairman, and 12 National Commissioners.

The constitutional 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 2022 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 1999 Constitution and the Electoral 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 across all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory.
  • Promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes.
  • Conduct any referendum required to be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution or any other law or Act of the National Assembly.

Mission Statement

"To serve as an independent and effective Election Management Body (EMB) committed to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections for sustainable democracy in Nigeria."

Vision Statement

"The vision of INEC is to be one of the best Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in the world that meets the aspirations of the Nigerian people."

Values

INEC shall constantly be guided by the following values in the performance of its duties:

  • 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 is committed to maintaining absolute honesty and integrity in all dealings at all times.
  • Credibility:INEC shall ensure that no action or activity on its part compromises the confidence of the public.
  • 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 practices 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.
  • Teamwork:INEC shall create a conducive environment that promotes teamwork and synergy among its staff at all levels.
  • Security:INEC shall facilitate security before, during, and after the conduct of elections for all stakeholders and election personnel.

Quick Timelines of Nigeria's Electoral Commissions (1959 - Date)

ECN: 1959

Electoral Commission of Nigeria (ECN) was established to conduct the 1959 pre-independence federal elections that ushered in an independent Nigeria in 1960.

FEC: 1960 - 1966

Federal Electoral Commission (FEC) conducted the 1964 federal and 1965 regional elections in the post-independence era.

Discontinued after the January 15, 1966 military intervention.

FEDECO: 1978 - 1983

Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) was established to steer the return to civilian rule in Nigeria.

Conducted the historic 1979 elections ushering the Second Republic under Alhaji Shehu Shagari, and the 1983 elections.

NEC: 1987 - 1993

National Electoral Commission (NEC) was established during the transition programme under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Conducted local, state, and parliamentary elections, and the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

NECON: 1995 - 1998

National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON) organized nationwide local government council elections under Gen. Sani Abacha.

Discontinued upon dissolution in 1998.

INEC: 1998 - Present

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was established to organize, conduct, and oversee all federal and state elections in Nigeria.

Successfully conducted general elections in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. Continuously modernising democratic elections through BVAS, IReV, and legal electoral reforms.