A disturbing plot has emerged, allegedly aimed at compromising the integrity of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria by appointing a "yes-man" to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to reports from Naija News, Yakubu’s tenure is set to conclude in November this year upon completing two terms.
The timeline for this plot remains unclear, but sources suggest that, as of now, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not been fully briefed about it. However, those behind the scheme are said to be close allies of the President and enjoy support from key figures within Aso Rock.
The orchestrator of this plan is believed to be a former governor from the South-South region and a member of the 1999 political class, advocating for a compliant successor who can effectively be manipulated. This maneuver comes in light of the damage to INEC's credibility caused by various controversies surrounding the 2023 elections and subsequent off-season elections.
Reports indicate that one approach being employed to facilitate this takeover is to nominate and confirm a pliable candidate as Yakubu’s replacement. The individuals being considered for this role reportedly include former National Commissioners or Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) within INEC, chosen specifically for their willingness to yield to political pressures. This further threatens the commission's ability to conduct free and fair elections, as past instances have shown.
This situation has raised alarms reminiscent of the flawed elections of 2003 and 2007, which were laden with irregularities. The late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua himself acknowledged the flaws present in the election that brought him to power, underscoring the importance of credible electoral processes.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, the President must derive authority from the Constitution, as stipulated in Section 1 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Constitution also governs the establishment of INEC and the process for appointing its chairman, requiring the President to consult the Council of State and seek Senate confirmation.
Recent appointments of individuals with ties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to INEC have intensified concerns regarding political interference within the commission. This troubling trend, which started during the APC administration, has faced significant backlash.
Reflecting on previous mistakes, the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a substantive INEC chairman after his election in 2015 led to considerable controversy. His appointment of Amina Bala Zakari as acting chairman—skipping over the more senior Ahmed Wali—triggered public outrage and ultimately necessitated the months-later appointment of Professor Mahmood Yakubu to the role.
Under Yakubu's leadership, the 2019 and 2023 elections encountered substantial controversies, including significant issues with INEC’s BVAS and IReV platforms. The upcoming 2027 elections present President Tinubu with a critical opportunity to select a credible successor who can help restore faith in the electoral process.
Insiders close to President Tinubu indicate that he is committed to preserving the integrity of the electoral process. According to one source, Tinubu’s approach to selecting Yakubu’s successor aligns with his broader agenda of enhancing public integrity, as illustrated by his recent call for the involvement of NYSC members in the forthcoming census to bolster its credibility.
Ensuring the credibility of Nigeria’s elections is paramount for both domestic stability and international recognition. Past leaders, such as Goodluck Jonathan, who managed the 2015 elections, are often praised for their dedication to fair electoral practices. His legacy stands in stark contrast to the challenges faced by previous administrations, including General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who played a pivotal role in facilitating a peaceful transition to civilian governance in 1999.
Despite improvements in Nigeria’s electoral laws, including biometric voter registration and electronic result transmission significant hurdles remain in guaranteeing free and fair elections. Past failures, such as the breakdown of the IReV system during the 2023 elections, underscore the critical need for ongoing reform and the appointment of officials with a proven commitment to integrity.
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