Usman Bugaje, a former federal lawmaker and renowned political activist, has sharply criticized the practice of presidents appointing the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, Bugaje described any election conducted under such circumstances as a “sham.”
He emphasized the urgent need for reforms in the country’s electoral system, calling for the complete independence of INEC from political interference.
“I don’t think the president, and I don’t mean this president, any president should have a hand in selecting the INEC chairman. That’s the point,” Bugaje said, underlining the potential risks to democracy when such a crucial appointment remains under the influence of the president.
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The former lawmaker further warned that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where the president controls the appointment of the electoral umpire.
“I think any election that the president will participate in and he will be the one to bring in who will be the INEC chair, I think it’s a sham election,” Bugaje added.
His comments are a timely contribution to the ongoing debate about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral body and the growing concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
