The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review the appointment of at least three individuals allegedly affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter dated June 7, 2025, and signed by Deputy Director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged President Tinubu to replace the appointees with credible, non-partisan Nigerians of unquestionable integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation also called on the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to draft and forward a bill to the National Assembly that would strengthen the independence of INEC in line with constitutional provisions and international standards.
SERAP’s appeal comes in the wake of the Senate’s October 2023 confirmation of four presidential nominees: Mr Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Mr Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Mr Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Mr Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers)—all of whom are alleged to have partisan ties.
The letter emphasised that holding the 2027 elections under the shadow of politically tainted appointments risks eroding public confidence in the electoral process.
“Perceptions of bias in INEC’s leadership can damage the credibility of elections and undermine democracy,” the group warned.
SERAP reminded the President of his constitutional responsibility to ensure both the actual and perceived independence of INEC officials.
It cited multiple provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, which require that those appointed to INEC must not be members of any political party and must be persons of integrity.
Quoting international obligations, the organisation noted that both the United Nations and the African Union advocate for independent and impartial electoral bodies to protect the sanctity of democratic processes.
“The legitimacy of elections hinges not only on how votes are counted, but also on who manages the process,” SERAP stated.
“To inspire trust in the 2027 polls, it is imperative to correct past missteps and uphold the principle of non-partisanship in the appointment of INEC officials.”
The group concluded by urging swift action to replace the alleged APC-affiliated RECs and introduce legal reforms that would guarantee INEC’s autonomy, stating that such measures are crucial to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and the will of its people.