The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of several Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) accused of being affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a letter dated June 7, 2025, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation stressed the importance of appointing non-partisan individuals with proven integrity in order to preserve public trust in the electoral process.
“Public perception of the independence of INEC is essential for building confidence in the electoral process,” SERAP stated.
“Where Nigerians have doubts about INEC’s neutrality, they are more likely to lose trust in the electoral system, thereby undermining democracy.”
The group cited concerns over the nominations and Senate confirmations of Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers), all appointed in October 2023.
It urged the president to replace the appointees with non-partisan individuals and to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to prepare legislation aimed at strengthening INEC’s independence.
“The credibility and legitimacy of elections depend largely on the independence and impartiality of those appointed to manage the process,” the letter read.
SERAP referenced constitutional provisions such as Section 156(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits party affiliation among INEC members, and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule, which mandates that RECs must be of unquestionable integrity.
The group also cited Nigeria’s obligations under international frameworks like the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and guidance from the UN Human Rights Committee.
“The will of the people is expressed through democratic elections. This requires not just legal safeguards but also public confidence in the institutions conducting the process,” SERAP stated.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken urgently to ensure respect for the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections,” it concluded.
