By Ayo Kehinde
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of at least three alleged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
SERAP made the call in a letter dated June 7, 2025, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare. The organisation warned that proceeding with the appointments could erode public trust in the electoral process and undermine the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
The group was referring to the appointments of Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers), nominated by President Tinubu and confirmed by the Senate in October 2023.
“Conducting the 2027 general elections under the shadow of partisan appointments will mock Nigerians’ right to free and fair elections and shake public confidence in the process,” the letter stated.
SERAP urged the President to send a draft bill to the National Assembly aimed at enhancing INEC’s independence and impartiality before the 2027 elections.
It also called for the replacement of the alleged APC-affiliated RECs with individuals of unquestionable integrity and non-partisan background.
The group specifically requested that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), be directed to draft and present the proposed bill to lawmakers.
“Public perception of INEC’s independence is crucial in building trust in elections. Any doubts about its impartiality could weaken democracy,” the letter noted. “The credibility of elections largely depends on the neutrality and competence of those overseeing the process.”
SERAP cited various legal provisions supporting its position, including Section 156(1)(a) and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, which mandate that INEC officials, including RECs, must not be members of political parties and must be individuals of unquestionable integrity.
It also referenced Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act, which requires REC appointments to comply with the federal character principle and the constitutional requirement of non-partisanship.
“Appointing individuals who are seen to have political affiliations undermines the spirit of neutrality required for credible elections,” the organisation said.
Quoting international frameworks, SERAP referenced the UN Human Rights Committee and the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, both of which advocate for the establishment of independent electoral bodies to ensure free and fair elections.
“The will of the people is expressed through democratic elections,” the group stated. “This means elections must be legitimate and credible, which can only happen when the body managing the process is truly independent and its officials are free from political bias.”
SERAP concluded by urging Tinubu to act swiftly to review the appointments and uphold his constitutional obligation to safeguard the independence and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
