The Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) strongly urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of at least three individuals perceived to be members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The civic group called on the president to ensure nonpartisan, integrity‑driven leadership within INEC, especially in the lead‑up to the 2027 general elections.

1. Immediate Concern: APC-Linked Appointees

In a public statement released on Sunday via its website, SERAP appealed to Tinubu to exercise his “good offices and leadership position” to rethink his REC nominations. Among those under scrutiny are RECs from Akwa Ibom, Edo, Lagos, and Rivers, particularly Etekamba Umoren, Isah Shaka Ehimeakne, and Bunmi Omoseyindemi. They were nominated in October 2023 and later confirmed by the Senate despite allegations of active APC affiliations.

SERAP emphasized that only individuals who are truly independent and of unquestionable integrity should fill these roles. They urged Tinubu to nominate replacements, submit them for Senate confirmation, and ensure that no partisan interest undermines the electoral system.

2. Strengthening INEC’s Independence

To further minimize political influence, SERAP suggested a significant reform: the President should direct the Attorney General, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to draft and present a bill aimed at boosting INEC’s autonomy ahead of the 2027 polls. According to SERAP:

• The bill should increase transparency, independence, and impartiality.

• It should be forwarded to the National Assembly well before the election cycle, allowing time for proper review and enactment.

They stressed that public confidence in electoral outcomes directly ties to the perception of INEC’s independence. Doubts surrounding the commission’s neutrality, they warned, could erode voter trust and weaken democratic integrity.

3. Legal and Constitutional Rationale

SERAP grounded its call in legal principles, referencing:

• 1999 Constitution (as amended): Section 153(1)(f) mandates INEC’s status, while Section 156 and Paragraph 14(3)(b)(c) of the Third Schedule require RECs to be non-partisan and of unquestionable integrity.

• Electoral Act 2022: Reiterates the constitutional standards for INEC appointments.

• International norms: Citing both the UN Human Rights Committee and African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which call for truly independent electoral bodies.

4. Historical Precedents and Recent Developments

This is not SERAP’s first intervention. In September 2022, the organization pressed then-President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw several APC-affiliated nominees, citing constitutional violations: “INEC must be independent and impartial… promoting the independence of INEC… entirely consistent with your constitutional oath.”

Similarly, in November 2023, SERAP, joined by BudgIT and concerned citizens, filed a lawsuit in the Federal High Court, Lagos, seeking to nullify Tinubu’s 2023 appointments of alleged APC loyalists as RECs. The suit argued that Tinubu’s appointments and the Senate’s confirmations were unconstitutional and unlawful.

More recently, in February 2025, INEC suspended three RECs—from Adamawa, Abia, and Sokoto—for alleged misconduct during the 2023 elections, prompting President Tinubu to request their removal. Civil society group Yiaga Africa praised this move, stressing the importance of competence and impartiality in future appointments

Furthermore, in March 2025, Tinubu revisited his 2025 REC appointments, withdrawing and replacing two nominees (for Borno and Bayelsa)—a move sent to the Senate on March 18. This suggests an evolving approach to ensuring INEC’s credibility.

5. Why Perception of Independence Matters

SERAP outlined several risks tied to partisan influence:

1. If citizens suspect political bias, trust in election results may crumble.

2. The rule of law and democratic principles risk serious damage.

3. Political interference undermines INEC’s ability to fairly implement the Electoral Act.

They warned: “Without an independent and impartial INEC, the democratic rights of Nigerians would remain illusory.”

6. Concrete Recommendations

To reinforce electoral integrity, SERAP proposed a multi-pronged approach:

• Revoke partisan RECs: Withdraw current appointees with APC links.

• Replace them with truly non-partisan figures: Nominees must be free from party affiliation, possess strong reputations, and have no political history.

• Legislate INEC reform: The Attorney General must draft and forward a bill to bolster institutional autonomy and impartiality.

• Accelerate implementation: All measures should be enacted promptly, ensuring full effect before 2027.

7. New 2025 REC Confirmations: A Mixed Signal

Recently, in May 2025, the Senate confirmed five new RECs—Umar Yusuf Garba, Sa’ad Umar Idris, Chukwuemeka Obeziako, Umar Mukhtar, and Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem—each serving a five-year term, following Tinubu’s March 18, 2025 nominationsWhile refreshing INEC’s leadership, these figures were not flagged for partisan ties. Yet, SERAP argues, the broader culture of vigilance and transparency must persist.

8. Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy

As Nigeria approaches the critical 2027 general elections, the stakes could not be higher. Civic confidence and electoral fairness hinge on whether INEC operates without undue influence:

• Credibility: Transparent processes and impartial RECs enhance legitimacy.

• Public trust: Essential for widespread voter participation.

• Institutional strength: Ensuring independence solidifies INEC’s role in democracy.

If such measures succeed, Nigeria can advance toward more resilient democratic governance. Conversely, hesitation risks re-entrenching public cynicism and electoral distrust.

Final Thoughts

SERAP’s message to President Tinubu is clear: withdraw partisan nominees, appoint impartial, integrity-driven officials, and codify INEC’s autonomy through legislation. By doing so well ahead of 2027, Nigeria can significantly reinforce its democratic norms and restore citizens’ faith in elections.