The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently disclose the details surrounding the selection and appointment process for the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This demand comes as Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s 10-year tenure as INEC chairman is set to end in November 2025, necessitating the appointment of a successor.
SERAP emphasized in a recent letter to the President that Nigerians have the right to know the number and identities of candidates in the running for the important role, as well as whether the Council of State has been consulted, as required by the Nigerian Constitution. The organization insists that transparency is crucial for public trust in the electoral body’s independence and impartiality.
Highlighting the correlation between openness in appointment processes and the credibility of INEC, SERAP warned that secrecy and partisan considerations undermine the commission’s autonomy and the broader democratic process. The organization urged that the appointment process not only be fair and objective but also visible to the public to reduce risks of conflict of interest.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the choice of INEC chairman will play a pivotal role in shaping election integrity. SERAP’s position is that a transparent and accountable selection process will empower Nigerians to scrutinize nominees, ensuring only qualified, impartial individuals are appointed. This approach, they argue, strengthens democratic culture and electoral legitimacy in the country.
The call for disclosure also includes reconsideration of politically affiliated Resident Electoral Commissioners currently serving in INEC to preserve neutrality. SERAP’s advocacy underscores the importance of an electoral body free from political manipulation for Nigeria’s democratic advancement.
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