On September 28, 2025, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a prominent Nigerian civil society organization, issued a compelling call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to ensure transparency and accountability in the process of appointing a new Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The organization emphasized the critical importance of a non-partisan, merit-based selection process to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and restore public confidence in democratic institutions. SERAP’s statement comes at a pivotal moment, as the tenure of the current INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, is set to conclude in November 2025, prompting the need for a successor to lead the electoral body into the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
In a detailed letter addressed to President Tinubu, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization underscored the necessity of adhering to constitutional provisions, international standards, and best practices in the appointment process. SERAP warned that any attempt to appoint a partisan figure or someone with questionable integrity could severely undermine the credibility of future elections, deepen public distrust, and destabilize Nigeria’s fragile democracy. The organization further called for the public disclosure of the criteria, qualifications, and procedural steps involved in selecting the new INEC Chairman, arguing that such transparency is essential to fostering accountability and ensuring that the appointee is free from political influence.
The Context: INEC’s Role in Nigeria’s Democracy
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is Nigeria’s electoral management body, established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). INEC is tasked with organizing, conducting, and supervising elections at all levels, including presidential, gubernatorial, and legislative polls. The commission’s role is central to the functioning of Nigeria’s democracy, as it ensures that the will of the electorate is accurately reflected in election outcomes. Over the years, however, INEC has faced significant challenges, including allegations of electoral malpractices, logistical failures, and perceived bias in its operations. These issues have eroded public trust in the commission, making the appointment of its leadership a matter of national importance.
The position of INEC Chairman is particularly sensitive, as the individual in this role wields considerable influence over the conduct of elections. The chairman oversees critical aspects such as voter registration, candidate nomination, election logistics, and result collation. Given Nigeria’s history of contentious elections, including the controversial 2023 general elections, the selection of a new INEC Chairman is seen as a defining moment for the country’s democratic trajectory. SERAP’s intervention reflects growing concerns among civil society groups and citizens about the need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral institutions to prevent further democratic backsliding.
SERAP’s Demands: Transparency and Accountability
SERAP’s letter to President Tinubu outlined several key demands aimed at ensuring a credible and transparent appointment process. First, the organization called for the public disclosure of the selection criteria, including the qualifications and experience required for the INEC Chairman position. This, SERAP argued, would allow Nigerians to scrutinize the process and ensure that only individuals with the requisite expertise and integrity are considered. The organization emphasized that the criteria should align with Section 156 of the Nigerian Constitution, which stipulates that appointees to the INEC Chairman position must be persons of unquestionable integrity and not affiliated with any political party.
Second, SERAP urged the President to involve a broad range of stakeholders in the selection process, including civil society organizations, professional bodies, and academic institutions. Such inclusivity, the organization noted, would enhance the legitimacy of the process and reduce the risk of appointing a candidate perceived as loyal to the ruling party. The organization cited international best practices, such as those outlined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, which Nigeria has ratified. The charter emphasizes the importance of independent and impartial electoral bodies in promoting free and fair elections.
Third, SERAP called for a clear timeline for the appointment process, with adequate time for public input and scrutiny. The organization argued that a rushed or opaque process could fuel suspicions of political manipulation and undermine the credibility of the new INEC Chairman. To prevent this, SERAP recommended that the government publish detailed information about the selection process in national newspapers, on government websites, and through other accessible platforms. This would enable Nigerians to monitor the process and hold the government accountable for any deviations from established norms.
Finally, SERAP warned against the appointment of individuals with known partisan affiliations or a history of involvement in electoral controversies. The organization pointed to past instances where politically aligned INEC chairmen or officials were accused of compromising election outcomes, leading to widespread protests and legal challenges. To avoid a repeat of such scenarios, SERAP urged President Tinubu to prioritize competence, independence, and integrity over political loyalty.
The Stakes: Why the INEC Chairman Appointment Matters
The appointment of the INEC Chairman is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy, governance, and social cohesion. Nigeria’s electoral history is replete with examples of contentious elections that have triggered violence, deepened ethnic divisions, and eroded public trust in democratic institutions. The 2023 general elections, for instance, were marred by allegations of vote rigging, voter suppression, and technological failures, particularly with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). These controversies led to widespread disillusionment among Nigerians, with many questioning the impartiality of INEC under Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s leadership.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the credibility of INEC will be under intense scrutiny. The new INEC Chairman will be responsible for addressing the commission’s past shortcomings, implementing electoral reforms, and ensuring that future elections are free, fair, and transparent. A partisan or incompetent appointee could exacerbate existing challenges, leading to further distrust in the electoral process and potentially destabilizing the country. Conversely, a credible and independent chairman could restore public confidence, strengthen democratic institutions, and pave the way for more inclusive and peaceful elections.
SERAP’s call for transparency is particularly significant in light of Nigeria’s polarized political landscape. The country’s two dominant political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have historically accused each other of manipulating INEC to gain electoral advantage. Smaller parties and civil society groups have also raised concerns about the ruling party’s influence over the commission, particularly in the appointment of its leadership. By advocating for an open and inclusive selection process, SERAP aims to ensure that the new INEC Chairman is seen as a neutral arbiter, capable of conducting elections without fear or favor.
Legal and Constitutional Framework
The appointment of the INEC Chairman is governed by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as well as other relevant laws and international commitments. Section 154(1) of the Constitution vests the power to appoint the INEC Chairman in the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate. However, the Constitution also imposes certain requirements to ensure the independence and impartiality of the appointee. For instance, Section 156(1)(a) states that no person shall be qualified for appointment as INEC Chairman if they are a member of a political party. This provision is designed to prevent the politicization of the electoral body and ensure that its leadership remains neutral.
In addition to domestic laws, Nigeria is bound by international and regional standards on electoral governance. The African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, which Nigeria ratified in 2012, requires member states to establish independent and impartial electoral institutions. Similarly, the United Nations’ Principles and Guidelines on Electoral Assistance emphasize the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and public participation in the appointment of electoral officials. SERAP’s demands are grounded in these legal and normative frameworks, which provide a benchmark for assessing the credibility of the appointment process.
Challenges Facing INEC and the New Chairman
The new INEC Chairman will inherit a commission grappling with numerous challenges, both structural and operational. One of the most pressing issues is the need to restore public trust in the electoral process. Opinion polls conducted by organizations such as Afrobarometer have consistently shown that a significant percentage of Nigerians lack confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections. This distrust stems from a combination of factors, including logistical failures, allegations of bias, and delays in result collation.
Another challenge is the need to address technological issues that have plagued recent elections. The introduction of BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) was intended to enhance transparency and reduce electoral fraud. However, technical glitches and alleged sabotage during the 2023 elections raised questions about the commission’s preparedness to leverage technology effectively. The new chairman will need to prioritize investments in robust electoral technologies, staff training, and cybersecurity to prevent future failures.
Security is another critical concern. Elections in Nigeria are often marred by violence, including attacks on voters, polling stations, and electoral officials. The new INEC Chairman will need to work closely with security agencies to ensure a safe environment for voters and election workers. This will require careful coordination, as well as measures to prevent the misuse of security forces for partisan purposes.
Finally, the new chairman will need to navigate Nigeria’s complex socio-political dynamics, including ethnic and regional tensions. Ensuring that INEC’s operations are perceived as fair and inclusive will be crucial to preventing accusations of bias and maintaining national unity.
SERAP’s Track Record and Influence
SERAP has established itself as a leading voice in the fight for transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria. Founded in 2004, the organization has consistently advocated for the protection of socio-economic rights, the eradication of corruption, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. Through public interest litigation, research, and advocacy, SERAP has challenged government policies and actions that undermine the rights of Nigerians.
In the context of electoral governance, SERAP has previously called for reforms to strengthen INEC’s independence and accountability. The organization has also taken legal action against government officials and agencies accused of electoral malpractices. For example, in the aftermath of the 2019 elections, SERAP filed lawsuits to compel the government to investigate allegations of vote-buying and intimidation. Its current intervention regarding the INEC Chairman appointment is consistent with its broader mission to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s governance processes.
SERAP’s influence extends beyond Nigeria, as it engages with international bodies such as the United Nations and the African Union to advocate for human rights and democratic principles. By invoking international standards in its letter to President Tinubu, SERAP is leveraging its global networks to amplify its message and pressure the Nigerian government to act responsibly.
The Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy
The appointment of the new INEC Chairman comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s democracy. With the 2027 elections approaching, the country faces a choice between strengthening its democratic institutions or allowing them to deteriorate further. A transparent and merit-based appointment process could set a positive precedent, signaling the government’s commitment to free and fair elections. Conversely, a flawed or partisan process could deepen public cynicism and fuel unrest.
Beyond the immediate issue of the INEC Chairman appointment, SERAP’s intervention highlights broader questions about the state of democracy in Nigeria. Issues such as voter apathy, electoral violence, and the influence of money in politics continue to undermine the democratic process. Addressing these challenges will require not only a credible INEC Chairman but also comprehensive electoral reforms, greater civic engagement, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Civil society organizations, the media, and ordinary citizens have a crucial role to play in holding the government accountable. By amplifying SERAP’s call for transparency, these stakeholders can help ensure that the appointment process is conducted in a manner that inspires confidence and strengthens Nigeria’s democracy.
Conclusion
SERAP’s call for transparency in the appointment of the new INEC Chairman is a timely and necessary intervention in Nigeria’s democratic process. By urging President Tinubu to disclose the selection criteria, involve stakeholders, and prioritize integrity, the organization is advocating for a process that upholds the principles of accountability and fairness. The appointment of the INEC Chairman is not just a routine administrative task; it is a defining moment that will shape the future of Nigeria’s elections and democratic governance.
As the November 2025 deadline for Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit approaches, all eyes will be on President Tinubu and his administration. Will they heed SERAP’s call and prioritize the public interest, or will they succumb to political pressures and appoint a partisan figure? The answer to this question will have profound implications for Nigeria’s democracy and the trust of its citizens in the electoral process.
In the meantime, SERAP’s advocacy serves as a reminder of the power of civil society to hold governments accountable. By demanding transparency and inclusivity, the organization is helping to ensure that Nigeria’s democratic institutions serve the people, not just the political elite. As the country navigates this critical transition, the hope is that the government will rise to the occasion and appoint an INEC Chairman who embodies the values of independence, competence, and integrity.