Tinubu Under Pressure to Rejig INEC Leadership Before 2027 Elections

President Bola Tinubu is facing calls to revamp the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A prominent advocacy group is pushing for the nomination of new Resident Electoral Commissioners who are not affiliated with any political party, citing concerns over the impartiality of the current appointees.

Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has emphasized the need for President Tinubu to submit a list of qualified and neutral candidates to the Senate for confirmation.

This move is seen as crucial in bolstering the credibility of the electoral process and addressing the controversies that marred the 2023 elections.

The current crop of Resident Electoral Commissioners, including Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers), were confirmed by the Senate in October 2023.

However, their alleged ties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have raised eyebrows, with critics arguing that their appointment undermines the independence of INEC.

To address these concerns, SERAP is urging President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to draft a bill that strengthens the independence of INEC.

This legislation would bring the electoral body in line with constitutional requirements and international standards, which emphasize the need for impartiality and neutrality in the management of elections.

The advocacy group is invoking sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, which stipulate that Resident Electoral Commissioners must be persons of unquestionable integrity and non-partisan.

By nominating individuals with alleged ties to the APC, the government may be seen as compromising the integrity of the electoral process.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the need for a credible and impartial electoral body has become increasingly urgent.

The United Nations Human Rights Committee and the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance have both emphasized the importance of independent and impartial national electoral bodies in ensuring the legitimacy of elections.