••Dark forces plot to manipulate electoral process, raising concerns about credibility.
By John Audu.
ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing mounting pressure to appoint a pliable successor to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), raising serious concerns about the integrity of the 2027 general elections. Investigations by Vanguard reveal a calculated plot by influential figures, including a former South-South governor, to install a “yes-man” who would compromise the electoral process.
Professor Yakubu’s tenure concludes in November, and the search for his replacement has become a battleground for political intrigue. Sources indicate that while President Tinubu has yet to fully endorse the scheme, powerful individuals both within and outside Aso Rock are actively pushing for the appointment of a malleable candidate.
According to VANGUARD,
The plot comes at a critical time, as INEC’s credibility has been severely tarnished by the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-season polls. The push for a compliant INEC chairman raises fears of a return to the electoral malfeasance that plagued previous elections, notably the widely discredited 2003 and 2007 polls.
Constitutional provisions mandate that the president consult with the Council of State and obtain Senate confirmation when appointing the INEC chairman and members. However, the integrity of the appointees is paramount, as the Constitution explicitly requires individuals of “unquestionable integrity” who are not affiliated with any political party. Recent appointments of card-carrying members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as INEC commissioners have further eroded public trust.
The specter of past electoral controversies, such as former President Muhammadu Buhari’s controversial appointment of an acting INEC head, highlights the potential for presidential missteps to undermine the electoral process. President Tinubu is urged to learn from these precedents and prioritize the appointment of a credible and impartial INEC chairman.
Aso Rock insiders suggest that President Tinubu recognizes the importance of credible polls and is committed to restoring public confidence in INEC. The president is urged to follow the example of past leaders, such as Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, whose legacy of free and fair elections earned him international acclaim.
Nigeria’s electoral laws are among the most progressive in Africa, yet their effectiveness hinges on the integrity of those who implement them. The challenge lies in rebuilding public trust and ensuring that INEC operates independently and transparently.
To achieve this, President Tinubu must prioritize the appointment of individuals with proven track records of diligence and probity. The institutional memory of experienced electoral administrators, such as former National Commissioners Professors Adele Jinadu and Tonnie Iredia, should be tapped to guide the reform process.
Addressing the declining voter turnout, a symptom of public distrust, is also crucial. The 2023 elections saw a record low turnout, underscoring the urgent need for reforms to strengthen pre-election processes, post-election dispute resolution, and the reliability of technology such as BVAS and IReV.
By appointing a credible INEC chairman and implementing comprehensive electoral reforms, President Tinubu has the opportunity to build a lasting legacy of integrity and restore faith in Nigeria’s democratic process.
