By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
SERAP Pressures Tinubu to Reveal Process for Next INEC Chairman
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to make public the process for appointing the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu comes to an end in November.
Yakubu, who has led INEC since 2015, will complete his constitutionally allowed two terms of five years each, making him the longest-serving chairman in the commission’s history. His departure sets the stage for President Tinubu to nominate a successor, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
In a letter dated September 27 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation demanded disclosure of the number and names of individuals being considered for the role and clarification on whether the Council of State has been or will be consulted in line with constitutional provisions.
SERAP also called on the President to revisit his earlier appointment of at least three persons alleged to be members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). The group advised that such positions be filled with non-partisan individuals to safeguard the neutrality of the electoral body.
“The appointment of a new INEC chairman must not be treated as a closed process. A transparent and accountable procedure is vital for public confidence,” the letter read in part.
According to the group, the credibility of Nigeria’s elections depends on the impartiality of INEC, which in turn is shaped by how its leadership is selected. SERAP argued that transparency in the appointment process would allow Nigerians to scrutinise candidates, reduce potential conflicts of interest, and ensure that only qualified and neutral persons are considered.
The group also noted that the perception of fairness is as important as fairness itself in electoral management, stressing that openness in selecting Yakubu’s successor would enhance trust in INEC’s independence and strengthen public participation in the democratic process.
With Yakubu’s exit just weeks away, attention has now shifted to who will be nominated to lead the commission through upcoming elections.
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