The INEC chairman we want — Nigerians
With barely two months to the end of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as INEC chairman, Nigerians who spoke to Weekend Trust shared their views on what they expect of the personality and credibility of the next chairman while also noting that geopolitical zone should not be a criterion for the appointment. Multala Abubakar, President […]
With barely two months to the end of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as INEC chairman, Nigerians who spoke to Weekend Trust shared their views on what they expect of the personality and credibility of the next chairman while also noting that geopolitical zone should not be a criterion for the appointment.
Multala Abubakar, President of the Arewa Defence League
The work of the INEC chairman, given the crucial role of an election in democracy, is supposed to be carried out by someone with strong character, competence, and a fearless disposition.
Somebody like a former INEC chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, because during his tenure, we saw a kind of departure from the past. But then, after the election that brought Buhari into office, the subsequent elections left a lot to be desired.
I think the issue of the zoning,tribe or religion is not significant because what we are talking about is the capacity of the person to deliver. Even when you have somebody capable, the way INEC is currently constructed, will make it very difficult for us to get the kind of results we are looking for. Nigerians should go back and study the Uwais report and bring some of the recommendations for implementation. This is the shortest way for us to get out of this cycle of rigging, inconclusive elections, and impunity that has characterised our electoral system.
We want a situation where the INEC chairman and other subordinates should be screened and confirmed by the Senate. The situation we have now, where the president selects a new chairman, is not desirable because the president will always look for somebody who will favour his party and interests, especially now that we are going into an election where the incumbent is seeking a second term.
Joseph Kyuior, lecturer
The next INEC chairman should be intelligent, proactive and coordinated. In qualification, he should be someone with a PhD or a professor in any of the social sciences. He should be an academic from the University. He should come from the north-central zone of the country. No, I don’t subscribe to the president choosing who becomes the INEC chairman.
Emmanuel Onwubiko, coordinator, civil society
On the incoming INEC chairman’s professional background is not necessarily important, but the level of patriotism and independence of mind of the person should matter. The next chairman should be someone who would be able to look the president in the eye and refuse to be used to manipulate elections.
Eunice Nnachi, gender advocate
It will be nice if someone with a solid background in electoral management, ICT expert, law or public administration is appointed as the next chairman of INEC, though, professional background should not be the only yardstick; the most important consideration should be on the integrity and experience in democratic governance of the person so considered. He should also have a good understanding of ICT, because the world has gone digital, and there is much clamour for electronic voting in Nigeria.
The appointment shouldn’t be about region but about competence and credibility. However, for inclusivity and balance, it would be good if every zone feels represented in such high offices. The process should be open and transparent. There should be clear criteria, with input from the National Assembly, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, to ensure the best candidate is chosen.
The president, according to the law, has the right to nominate, as the constitution provides, but there should be checks, like confirmation by the Senate or a panel. The choice should not be political, but truly based on merit; however, if the constitution is amended, it would be more ideal if such an appointment is given to the Chief Judge of Nigeria, who may not contest an election or look for favour from the person appointed.
Edward Akpen, lecturer/businessman
As a Nigerian, I believe what we need most in the ne-incomingNEC chairman is someone who carries integrity and credibility above everything else. Elections are the foundation of our democracy, and the person to lead INEC should be one whose record shows that they are not easily swayed by political pressure. For me, competence, courage, and impartiality should be the yardstick. In terms of background, I personally feel that the chairman should come from outside the traditional political establishment. A technocrat, a respected legal mind, or even an academic with deep knowledge of governance and electoral processes would inspire more public trust. Many Nigerians have lost confidence in INEC because of past controversies, so appointing a familiar political face would only worsen scepticism.
On the question of geopolitical zone, I do not think it should matter where the person comes from, as long as they are genuinely neutral. But if you ask me, I would prefer someone from a zone that has not recently produced the chairman, just to balance representation and reduce unnecessary political tension. At the end of the day, what Nigerians care about most is fairness, not the tribe or region of the chairman.
Also the selection process should be more transparent than just a presidential nomination. The National Assembly, civil society groups, and perhaps even the judiciary should have a role in screening the candidates. That way, the appointment would not look like a one-man decision but a collective effort for the sake of the nation.
Finally, to be honest, I am not entirely comfortable with the president alone making the choice. Yes, the law gives him that power, but Nigeria has reached a stage where the independence of INEC must be safeguarded from the very beginning. If the appointment looks politically motivated, it will weaken trust before the new chairman even begins. Nigerians deserve a referee who stands above partisan interests.
Mimidoo Uhundu, development practitioner
My expectation for the next INEC chairman is someone with unquestionable integrity, credibility, and a track record of fairness. We need a person who places national interest above personal or political loyalty.
I would prefer someone with experience in governance, law, or civil society sectors that emphasise transparency and accountability. Importantly, the process should reflect inclusivity by considering women’s and youth’s perspectives in the appointment. Our elections cannot keep excluding the voices of those who make up the majority of voters.
For balance and equity, it would also be fair if the appointment reflects Nigeria’s federal character, so that no zone feels excluded. What matters most, however, is competence and independence.
On the process, I would prefer that the selection is subjected to broader consultation, perhaps involving the National Assembly, political parties, and civil society, so it is not seen as a one-man decision.
I am not entirely comfortable with the president alone appointing the chairman, because INEC is supposed to be independent of the executive. A more participatory and transparent process will boost confidence in the electoral system.
Pastor Mike Tayese, clergy
As far as I am concerned, the area of specialisation should not be an issue on the appointment of the new INEC Chairman; rather, the emphasis should be on discipline, integrity and a man with capacity.
It should be a man of honour, who has self-respect, no matter the sector or profession one belongs to; if he/she is corrupt, it’s not because of his or/profession, so we should look for somebody with a good track record in service.
The political zone should not be issue in such sensitive appointment, all the political zones in this country has men and women of integrity, uncompromised patriots, the also have people with questionable character, so, whether the INEC chairman is appointed from the North as it is or from the South, let it be a man of integrity that can deliver fair, free, credible and unquestionable election for this country.
Somebody with the fear of God should be given the opportunity for such an appointment, because with the fear of God, you will do the right thing.
Though the appointment is the president’s prerogative based on our laws, the concern should not be on who appoints the INEC chairman, but on who will do the right thing; we need an INEC chairman who will ensure that the votes of Nigerians count in 2027.
Contributions from Mohammed Ibrahim Yaba (Kaduna); Hope Abah (Makurdi); Hope Abah (Makurdi) & Bassey Okon (Yenogoa)