A civil rights group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the appointments of some individuals recently named as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying they are allegedly connected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a letter dated June 7, 2025, SERAP asked President Tinubu to consider nominating neutral and trustworthy Nigerians who are not members of any political party to replace at least three of the newly appointed RECs. The group argued that doing so would help protect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The organization also advised the president to direct the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to prepare a bill aimed at strengthening the independence of INEC. This, according to SERAP, would be a step in line with the president’s constitutional responsibilities and oath of office.
The RECs in question—Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers)—were confirmed by the Senate in October 2023. However, SERAP believes their links to the APC could cast doubt on their neutrality.
“Allowing politically affiliated individuals to oversee elections will damage public trust in the process,” the group warned. “The success of democracy depends on free, fair, and credible elections, and this can only happen when INEC is truly independent.”
SERAP stressed that INEC must not only be independent but also be seen to be independent. It pointed to sections of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act which require that INEC officials be non-partisan and of high integrity. The group also referenced international standards, such as those of the United Nations and the African Union, which call for impartial electoral bodies in democratic societies.
“If people believe that INEC is biased or under political control, it can lead to widespread apathy and distrust,” SERAP said. “The electoral process should not only be free of influence, but must also be transparent in its operations and appointments.”
The group emphasized that credible elections are not possible when the process is managed by individuals perceived to have political leanings. They urged President Tinubu to act swiftly by nominating new candidates who meet the constitutional requirements and can win the confidence of the public.
“The 2027 general elections must be different from the controversies of 2023,” SERAP concluded. “Now is the time to lay the foundation for a better, more credible electoral process.”
The organization said it would appreciate swift action to uphold the independence of INEC and protect the integrity of future elections.
