A Plot To Compromise Nigeria's 2027 Elections: The Race For INEC's Next Chairman

A Brewing Storm: The Alleged Plot to Control INEC

Let me tell you something that’s been making waves in Nigerian politics. There's a shadowy plot unfolding behind the scenes, and it's got everyone on edge. It’s all about the next leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the body that oversees Nigeria's elections. Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the current chairman, is set to step down in November after two terms. But here's the kicker: some powerful figures are trying to stack the deck by pushing for a "yes-man" to take his place. This could spell trouble for the 2027 general elections.

Naija News has uncovered that this alleged plan involves influential individuals close to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While the President himself may not be fully aware of the details, those pulling the strings are operating with the backing of key figures within Aso Rock. The mastermind? A former governor from the South-South region, part of the 1999 political class, who wants a pliable successor for Yakubu. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Why This Matters: The Credibility Crisis at INEC

Now, let’s talk about why this matters so much. INEC’s reputation has taken a beating over the years, especially after the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections and the off-season polls. These issues have left many Nigerians questioning the commission’s ability to conduct free and fair elections. To make matters worse, the plot to install a malleable candidate as Yakubu’s successor threatens to further undermine the institution’s integrity.

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According to sources, the strategy involves nominating someone who’s willing to toe the party line, someone who can be easily swayed by political pressure. These individuals, whose names remain under wraps, have ties to INEC, having served as National Commissioners or Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). If successful, this move could take Nigeria back to the dark days of the 2003 and 2007 elections, which were riddled with irregularities and cast a long shadow over the country’s democratic process.

Learning from the Past: The Importance of Integrity

For Nigeria’s democracy to thrive, the President’s authority must stem from the Constitution, not personal agendas. Section 1 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) makes it clear: the Constitution is supreme. INEC’s creation and the appointment of its chairman are enshrined in this document. The President is required to consult the Council of State and secure Senate approval for the appointment. Yet, recent trends show a worrying pattern of political interference, with card-carrying members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) being named to key positions within INEC.

Looking back, we can see the consequences of poor decisions. When President Muhammadu Buhari failed to appoint a substantive INEC chairman after his election in 2015, it created unnecessary controversy. His choice of Amina Bala Zakari as acting chairman, bypassing the more senior Ahmed Wali, drew public outrage. Eventually, Buhari had to appoint Professor Yakubu as the substantive chairman months later. Yakubu’s tenure, overseeing the 2019 and 2023 elections, has been marred by controversies, including technical glitches with INEC’s BVAS and IReV platforms. The 2027 election presents an opportunity for President Tinubu to appoint a credible successor who can restore trust in the electoral process.

Tinubu's Vision: A New Era for Elections

Insiders close to President Tinubu suggest that he’s committed to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. They say his approach to appointing Yakubu’s successor aligns with his broader goal of improving the credibility of public processes. For instance, his recent declaration that NYSC members should play a role in the upcoming census underscores his focus on transparency and accountability.

The credibility of Nigeria’s elections is crucial for both domestic and international recognition. Leaders like Goodluck Jonathan, who oversaw the 2015 elections, earned praise for their commitment to fairness. Jonathan’s legacy stands in contrast to the challenges faced by his predecessors, such as General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who played a pivotal role in the peaceful transition to civilian rule in 1999. Despite progress in electoral laws, including biometric voter registration and electronic result transmission, significant hurdles remain. The failure of the IReV system during the 2023 elections highlights the urgent need for reform and the appointment of officials with a proven track record of integrity.

As we look ahead to 2027, the choices made today will shape the future of Nigeria’s democracy. Will the next INEC chairman be a champion of free and fair elections, or a pawn in a political game? That’s the question on everyone’s mind.

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