The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately nominate impartial Nigerians of proven integrity to serve as Resident Electoral Commissioners, replacing those it alleges have ties to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group stressed the need for non-partisan individuals to oversee Nigeria’s electoral processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The appointment of electoral officials must reflect the principles of neutrality and independence. Nigerians deserve an electoral body free from political influence,” Oluwadare said.
SERAP’s appeal follows the October 2023 Senate confirmation of RECs, including Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers), all of whom the organization claims are linked to the APC.
The group also urged the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to draft a bill aimed at reinforcing the autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to SERAP, the legislation should be submitted promptly to the National Assembly.
“Sending a reform bill to lawmakers before the next elections is not just a legal obligation—it’s a moral imperative. Strengthening INEC’s independence is key to restoring confidence in our electoral system,” the statement added.
SERAP argued that confidence in the integrity of electoral institutions hinges on both the perceived and actual neutrality of INEC officials. “Without this, democracy is merely performative,” the organization stated.
Referencing relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, SERAP emphasized that RECs must not belong to any political party and must be individuals with unquestionable integrity. It also cited international norms such as the UN Human Rights Committee’s recommendations and the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.
“Elections conducted by compromised officials risk legitimacy and public trust. The path forward is clear: appoint independent, qualified, and neutral individuals who can uphold the values of democratic governance,” Oluwadare concluded.
The organization maintained that replacing politically affiliated RECs with non-partisan professionals would help safeguard Nigeria’s electoral integrity and deepen democratic practice.
