2027 Election Plot Thickens: ‘Aso Rock Cabal’ Behind Push To Oust INEC Chairman Amid Fears OF Election Rigging

Yakubu’s term is set to end in November, after completing two terms. However, it remains unclear when the plot to influence the leadership of INEC began. Sources informed Vanguard that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not yet been fully briefed on the plan. Nevertheless, those behind the plot are close allies of the President and are supported by powerful figures within Aso Rock.

The primary figure behind the conspiracy is believed to be a former South-South governor and a member of the 1999 class, who is advocating for a pliable individual to take over from Yakubu. This move comes after INEC’s credibility was severely damaged by controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-season elections.

Sources suggest that those orchestrating the plot are pushing for the nomination and confirmation of a malleable candidate to succeed Yakubu. These individuals, whose identities have been withheld, have served as National Commissioners or Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in INEC and are thought to be selected for their ability to yield to political pressure, thus weakening INEC’s ability to conduct transparent elections.

This situation brings to mind the problematic 2003 and 2007 general elections, which were marred by irregularities, leading to late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua’s admission of flaws in the election that brought him to power.

The Constitution mandates that the President’s authority must be derived from the Constitution (Section 1 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended), and the establishment of INEC, including the appointment of its chairman, must follow constitutional procedures. The President must consult the Council of State and seek Senate confirmation for the INEC chairman’s appointment.

However, recent appointments of card-carrying members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to INEC have raised concerns about political interference in the commission. This practice, initiated under the APC, has sparked significant controversy.

Reflecting on past mistakes, President Muhammadu Buhari’s failure to appoint a substantive INEC chairman after his election in 2015 led to unnecessary controversy. Buhari’s decision to appoint Amina Bala Zakari as acting chairman, bypassing the more senior Ahmed Wali, led to public outcry and eventually forced him to appoint Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the substantive chairman.

Yakubu’s tenure oversaw the 2019 and 2023 elections, which were marred by controversies, including issues with INEC’s BVAS and IReV systems. As the 2027 election approaches, President Tinubu faces the opportunity to appoint a credible successor who can restore confidence in the electoral process.

Insiders close to the President suggest that Tinubu is committed to upholding the credibility of the election process. A source stated that his approach to appointing Yakubu’s successor is consistent with his broader goal of enhancing the integrity of public institutions, as demonstrated by his recent call for NYSC members to be involved in the upcoming census to ensure its transparency.

The credibility of Nigeria’s elections is crucial for both domestic and international recognition. Former Presidents, such as Goodluck Jonathan, who supervised the 2015 elections, are remembered for their commitment to fair elections. Jonathan’s legacy stands in contrast to the challenges faced by his predecessors, including General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who facilitated the peaceful transition to civilian rule in 1999.

Despite improvements in Nigeria’s electoral laws, including biometric voter registration and electronic result transmission, significant challenges remain in ensuring free and fair elections. Past issues, such as the failure of the IReV system during the 2023 elections, underscore the need for continued reforms and the appointment of officials with a proven record of integrity.