AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to make public the process for selecting the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the tenure of the current chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, ends in November 2025.
In a letter dated September 27 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the President to disclose the number and names of candidates being considered for the position and clarify whether the Council of State has been or will be consulted, as required by the Constitution.
The group also urged Tinubu to use the opportunity to review his earlier appointment of at least three alleged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), and instead nominate non-partisan replacements.
“The selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement cannot and should not be ‘a closed shop,’” the letter read in part. “A transparent and accountable process would serve legitimate public interests.”
SERAP stressed that openness in the process is critical to public trust in the commission’s independence and impartiality.
According to the organisation, transparency would not only ensure that competent and impartial individuals are appointed but also allow Nigerians to scrutinise, monitor and engage with the process.
“In electoral management, perception matters greatly. It is more important for the selection and appointment process to be objective and fair, and to be seen to be objective and fair,” the letter added.
Professor Yakubu, who has served two terms spanning 10 years, will leave office in November. His successor will be appointed by President Tinubu, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
