SERAP Urges President Tinubu to Reconsider Appointment of Alleged APC Members as INEC Commissioners

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently reconsider his appointment of at least three alleged members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The organization stressed that ensuring impartiality and non-partisanship in the electoral body is critical for credible elections, especially as Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 general polls.

The call was made in a statement published on SERAP’s website on Sunday, where the organization urged the President to “use his good offices and leadership position” to withdraw the nominations and appoint qualified Nigerians who are not affiliated with any political party.

Appointments Under Scrutiny

In October 2023, President Tinubu nominated and the Senate confirmed several individuals as RECs. Among those confirmed were Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers). SERAP alleges that at least three of these appointees are members or close affiliates of the APC.

According to SERAP, appointing individuals with political affiliations into such sensitive roles undermines public trust and compromises the independence of INEC.

“Public perception of the independence of INEC is essential for building public confidence in the electoral process. Where Nigerians have doubts about the independence of INEC, they are more likely to have less confidence in the electoral process, thereby undermining democracy,” the statement read.

A Call for Electoral Reform

Beyond immediate concerns over the appointments, SERAP also urged President Tinubu to take concrete steps to strengthen INEC’s institutional independence. Specifically, the organization called for the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to draft a bill aimed at bolstering INEC’s independence and submit it to the National Assembly well ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Sending a draft bill to the National Assembly to improve the independence and impartiality of INEC would enhance the integrity and legitimacy of elections, and address the serious and debilitating problems witnessed during the 2023 general elections,” SERAP noted.

Legal and Democratic Concerns

SERAP emphasized that Nigeria’s constitutional and legal framework demands that INEC remain a truly independent and non-partisan body. Referencing Section 153(1)(f) of the 1999 Constitution, which establishes INEC as an independent body, the organization highlighted the importance of both the appearance and reality of independence in electoral processes.

“Your government has the constitutional responsibility to ensure both the appearance and the actual independence and impartiality in the appointment of INEC top officials,” the letter to President Tinubu stated.

“The credibility and legitimacy of elections depend mostly on the independence and impartiality of those appointed to manage the process. Without an independent and impartial INEC, the democratic rights of Nigerians would remain illusory.”

SERAP further warned that treating INEC as a “line department” answerable to political leaders would violate constitutional and international standards and damage public trust in democratic institutions.

Clarifying ‘Non-Partisan’ Appointments

In its statement, SERAP reiterated that those appointed as INEC commissioners must be non-partisan in the clearest terms.

“Anyone to be appointed as RECs for INEC must clearly be non-partisan, independent, impartial, and neutral. INEC officials ought to be able to discharge their legal duties and implement the Electoral Act without fear or favour,” the organization said.

“The use of the word ‘non-partisan’ means that those to be appointed to conduct credible elections must not be people who openly identify as belonging to a political party, whose occupation is politics, or who are perceived by ordinary Nigerians as having political biases.”

A Plea for Action Ahead of 2027

SERAP concluded its statement with an appeal for urgency and accountability, stating that prompt action would demonstrate the government’s commitment to electoral integrity.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken urgently to ensure respect for the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

The group reiterated that a credible electoral system is the cornerstone of any democracy and that the appointment of politically neutral INEC officials is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future.