SERAP Urges President Tinubu to Reassess Appointment of INEC Officials Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of certain Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing concerns over alleged political affiliations.

In a recent public statement, the organisation called on the president to withdraw the appointments of at least three individuals reportedly linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC). SERAP urged the nomination of credible, non-partisan candidates to fill the positions, stressing the importance of transparency and independence in the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This request follows the nomination and confirmation of several RECs in October 2023, including appointees from Akwa Ibom, Edo, Lagos, and Rivers States. The group highlighted public concerns about the impartiality of these officials.

SERAP also recommended that the Attorney General of the Federation be directed to prepare a draft bill aimed at strengthening the institutional independence of INEC. The organisation believes submitting such legislation to the National Assembly in advance of the 2027 elections would reinforce the commission’s autonomy and public confidence in the electoral process.

According to SERAP, the credibility of any election depends largely on the neutrality of the body overseeing it. The group warned that perceptions of political bias within INEC could damage public trust and weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

The statement emphasized that constitutional and legal provisions require INEC to operate independently, free from political influence. It also stressed that appointments to the commission must be made with strict adherence to principles of neutrality and competence.

SERAP concluded its message by urging the federal government to take timely and meaningful action to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure that INEC remains an independent and impartial institution.