By Abiola Olawale
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the appointment of honest and neutral Nigerians as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
SERAP said the call is necessary ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the need for impartial officials to ensure credible and transparent polls.
In a statement issued on Sunday by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation stressed that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections hinges on the independence and impartiality of INEC officials.
The organization specifically requested that Tinubu reconsider the appointment of individuals allegedly affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as RECs, advocating instead for non-partisan Nigerians of unquestionable integrity.
SERAP’s letter followed the nomination and Senate confirmation of Messrs Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers) in October 2023.
SERAP, in the statement also highlighted that public perception of INEC’s independence is crucial for fostering confidence in the electoral process.
According to the organization, when Nigerians doubt INEC’s autonomy, it undermines public trust in the electoral system and, consequently, democracy itself.
The organization also emphasized the importance of sending a draft bill to the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections to strengthen the independence and impartiality of the INEC.
They argued that this would enhance the integrity and legitimacy of the elections, while also addressing the significant challenges faced during the 2023 elections.
SERAP stressed that the government has a constitutional duty to ensure both the appearance and reality of independence and impartiality in the appointment of INEC officials. The combined effect of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and international standards is the requirement that elections must be organised by a truly independent and impartial electoral body.
