The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to revisit his appointment of at least three individuals allegedly affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a letter dated June 7, 2025, SERAP urged the president to nominate new candidates of unquestionable integrity, free from political affiliations, and submit their names for Senate confirmation ahead of the 2027 general elections. They also recommended that the Attorney General draft a bill to strengthen INEC’s independence and impartiality.
SERAP expressed concern that the current appointments undermine public trust in the electoral process, potentially threatening the credibility of the 2027 polls. The organization emphasized that holding elections under partisan INEC leadership would erode the right to free and fair elections. Citing both constitutional and international standards, SERAP highlighted that INEC officials must be neutral and non-partisan to ensure a democratic process that truly reflects the will of the people.
The group stressed that the independence of INEC is not only a legal requirement but also essential to public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. They referenced specific constitutional provisions, such as Section 156(1) and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, which bar political party members from being appointed as RECs. SERAP concluded by urging the president to take swift action to replace the controversial appointees and safeguard the integrity of future elections.
