The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to make public the procedure for appointing the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that secrecy in the process could undermine the credibility of future elections.
The tenure of the current INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who has served two five-year terms since 2015, will end in November 2025. His replacement is to be nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, in consultation with the Council of State, as provided under Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
In a letter dated September 27, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the president to publish the names and number of candidates under consideration, as well as details of the selection process.
“The selection and appointment process for Professor Yakubu’s successor cannot and should not be a closed shop,” the letter stated. “A transparent and accountable process would serve legitimate public interest and strengthen the credibility of the electoral system.”
The group also advised the president to revisit his appointment of at least three Resident Electoral Commissioners allegedly linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging that only non-partisan individuals be considered for such sensitive positions.
According to SERAP, openness in the appointment process would enhance citizens’ trust in INEC’s independence and impartiality. “Secrecy in the process would be inconsistent with the Constitution and incompatible with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations,” it warned.
The organisation insisted that the person chosen to succeed Yakubu must be independent, neutral, and free from political affiliations. “Anyone appointed must be able to discharge their duties and implement the Electoral Act without fear or favour,” Oluwadare emphasised.
SERAP gave the government seven days to make the appointment process public or face legal action in the public interest.
Yakubu, who first assumed office in 2015, oversaw the general elections of 2019 and 2023. His tenure has attracted both commendation for improving logistics and criticism over the deployment of technology and result transmission.
His exit in November will pave the way for one of the most consequential appointments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
