The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a strong call to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of at least three individuals allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter dated 7 June 2025, SERAP called the appointments a direct threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning that “partisan RECs will make a mockery of Nigerians’ right to free and fair elections.”
The rights group urged the president to swiftly nominate credible, non-partisan Nigerians to replace the controversial appointees and submit their names to the Senate for confirmation.
“Your government has the constitutional responsibilities to ensure both the appearance and the actual independence and impartiality in the appointment of INEC top officials,” the letter stated.
The named appointees—Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers)—were confirmed by the Senate in October 2023 despite public outcry over their alleged political affiliations.
SERAP further urged President Tinubu to instruct Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi to prepare a bill strengthening INEC’s independence, aligning with constitutional mandates and international democratic standards.
Citing constitutional provisions—Sections 153, 156, and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution—the organisation stressed that RECs must be “non-partisan and of unquestionable integrity.”
It added that the current appointments violate Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022 and undermine Nigeria’s obligations under international law, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
“Without an independent and impartial INEC, the democratic rights of Nigerians would remain illusory,” SERAP warned.
The group said that confidence in the electoral process hinges not only on laws but also on the perceived neutrality of those conducting the elections. It emphasised that Nigeria must not repeat the flaws of the 2023 elections if it aims to rebuild electoral legitimacy in 2027.
With the clock ticking towards the next general elections, SERAP’s warning adds pressure on the presidency to take immediate steps to ensure electoral integrity, restore public trust, and uphold democratic principles.
