Ruling Elites Accused OF Sabotaging 2027 Election Integrity With INEC Chairman Plot

Yakubu’s tenure is set to expire in November after completing two terms, though it remains unclear when the plan to influence the INEC leadership began. Sources close to Vanguard indicate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not yet been fully briefed on the plot. However, the individuals behind this move are close allies of the President and reportedly have the support of influential figures within Aso Rock.

The plot is said to be spearheaded by a former South-South governor from the 1999 era, who is pushing for a compliant individual to take over from Yakubu. This initiative is fueled by the ongoing damage to INEC’s credibility following the controversies of the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-season elections.

According to Vanguard, those orchestrating the plot intend to nominate and confirm a malleable candidate to succeed Yakubu. The individuals considered for the position, whose identities have been withheld, have previously served as National Commissioners or Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at INEC and are chosen for their willingness to bow to political pressure, which would further undermine INEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections.

This situation evokes memories of the flawed 2003 and 2007 general elections, which were riddled with irregularities. In the aftermath, late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua admitted to flaws in the election process that brought him to power.

In Nigeria’s democratic framework, the President’s authority is derived from the Constitution, which is supreme as stated in Section 1 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The appointment of INEC’s chairman is governed by the Constitution, requiring the President to consult with the Council of State and seek Senate confirmation.

Despite this, the recent appointment of card-carrying members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to INEC has raised concerns about political interference. This practice, initiated under the APC, has sparked considerable controversy.

Reflecting on past mistakes, President Muhammadu Buhari’s failure to appoint a substantive INEC chairman in 2015 led to unnecessary controversy. His appointment of Amina Bala Zakari as acting chairman, bypassing the more senior Ahmed Wali, ignited public outcry, ultimately forcing him to appoint Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the substantive chairman months later.

Yakubu’s tenure overseeing the 2019 and 2023 elections has been marred by controversies, including issues with INEC’s BVAS and IReV platforms. The upcoming 2027 election presents President Tinubu with an opportunity to appoint a credible successor who can restore public confidence in the electoral process.

Insiders close to the President suggest that Tinubu is committed to ensuring the credibility of Nigeria’s election process. His approach to selecting Yakubu’s successor is aligned with his broader goal of improving public processes, as demonstrated by his recent announcement that NYSC members should participate in the upcoming census to ensure its credibility.

The credibility of Nigeria’s elections is crucial for both domestic and international recognition. Leaders like Goodluck Jonathan, who oversaw the 2015 elections, are praised for their commitment to fair elections. Jonathan’s legacy stands in stark contrast to the challenges faced by previous leaders, 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. Issues like the failure of the IReV system during the 2023 elections underscore the need for further reforms and the appointment of officials with a proven track record of integrity