SERAP urges President Tinubu to ensure a transparent and non-partisan process in selecting Yakubu’s successor as INEC chairman. Photo Credit:
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to make the selection process for INEC chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu’s successor transparent and accountable.
Nigeria’s foremost electoral body will have a new head in November as Professor Mahmood Yakubu concludes his 10-year tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter dated 27 September and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP asked the President to disclose the number and names of candidates under consideration and whether the Council of State would be consulted, as required by the Constitution.
The group also urged Tinubu to review previous appointments of alleged political party members as Resident Electoral Commissioners, recommending that only non-partisan figures be considered for such roles.
According to SERAP, openness in the appointment process would strengthen public trust in INEC’s independence, reduce conflicts of interest, and encourage citizens’ participation in elections.
“The process for appointing the next INEC chairman cannot be a closed shop,” SERAP said, stressing that a transparent approach would help safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
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