The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to guarantee transparency in appointing the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Politics Nigeria, In a letter dated September 27, 2025, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP requested Tinubu to disclose the number and names of individuals under consideration. The group also asked whether the Council of State had been, or would be, consulted as required by the Constitution.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who has led INEC since 2015, will leave office when his tenure ends in November 2025. His replacement will be nominated by President Tinubu but requires Senate confirmation.
SERAP stressed that the appointment process “cannot and should not be a closed shop.” According to the group, Nigerians deserve a selection that is transparent, credible, and fair. Only a non-partisan and independent candidate should be considered, it added, noting that the credibility of the 2027 elections depends on INEC’s leadership.
The organisation further reminded Tinubu of earlier appointments of some Resident Electoral Commissioners allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It advised that such nominees be replaced with neutral figures to strengthen public trust.
SERAP warned that secrecy in the appointment would erode confidence and violate both the Electoral Act 2022 and constitutional provisions.
The group gave the president seven days from the receipt or publication of the letter to act on its recommendations. Otherwise, SERAP threatened to pursue legal action in the public interest.
This demand comes as INEC faces growing scrutiny following the controversies surrounding the 2023 elections.
