SERAP Demands Transparency In INEC Chairman Appointment, Warns Tinubu Against Partisan Nominee
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to immediately make public the details of the selection process for the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure ends in November 2025.
SERAP urged him “to disclose the number and names of candidates for INEC chairman and whether the Council of State has been consulted or would be consulted in making the appointment, as constitutionally required.”
The organisation also demanded that the president use the appointment as an opportunity to review his earlier nomination of at least three alleged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and replace them with non-partisan individuals.
In a letter dated September 27, 2025 and signed by deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP stressed, “The selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement cannot and should not be ‘a closed shop.’ A transparent and accountable process would serve legitimate public interests.
“There is a strong correlation between transparency in the selection and appointment process of INEC chairman and the ability of the commission to perform its constitutional and statutory duties in an independent and impartial manner.”
The letter noted that government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure openness and transparency in the appointment process, adding that the credibility and legitimacy of elections depend on the independence and impartiality of those managing the exercise.
It warned, “Anyone to be appointed as INEC chairman must clearly be non-partisan, independent, impartial and neutral. INEC chairman and other officials ought to be able to discharge their legal duties and implement the Electoral Act without fear or favour.
“Nigeria’s electoral body must enjoy independence from direction or control, whether from the government or any other quarter. It must be accountable to the electorate, and act accordingly.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.
“Public perception of the independence of INEC is also 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 organisation stressed that the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations are built on the principle that citizens should have access to information about their government’s activities.
It added that these constitutional provisions and international standards place a fundamental obligation on the government to ensure transparency and accountability in the appointment of a new INEC chairman.
Yakubu, who has served a two-term 10-year tenure, will vacate office in November, with his successor expected to take charge immediately after Senate confirmation.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
