SERAP Urges Tinubu To Disclose INEC Chairman Selection Process

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to make public the process for selecting the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the current chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, is set to conclude his tenure in November 2025.

The organisation is requesting the disclosure of details such as the number and identities of candidates being considered for the role, as well as whether the Council of State has been or will be consulted, in line with constitutional requirements.

In addition, SERAP is urging the President to revisit the appointment of at least three individuals previously named as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), who are alleged to be affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group recommends replacing them with individuals who are not members of any political party, to reinforce public confidence in the commission’s neutrality.

With Yakubu completing a two-term tenure that spanned ten years, the responsibility of appointing his successor falls on the President, pending confirmation by the Senate.

SERAP is emphasising the importance of ensuring that this process is transparent and accountable.

In a letter dated 27 September, 2025, the group maintains that the openness of the appointment process directly affects the credibility and independence of INEC, which plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic system.

Transparency in selecting new leadership, according to SERAP, would help bolster public trust in the commission and encourage greater participation in the electoral process.

The letter read in part: “Transparency in the process would also ensure that competent and impartial people are appointed and reduce the risks of conflict of interest. It would allow Nigerians to scrutinise, monitor, and engage with the process.”

“In electoral management, perception matters greatly. It is more important for the selection and appointment process to be objective and fair and to be seen to be objective and fair.”

“The manner in which elections are managed, including how officials managing elections are chosen, would contribute significantly to the sustenance of a democratic culture in the country.”

“A transparent selection and appointment process would strengthen democratic and electoral processes. Making the procedural details public would improve public confidence in the process.”

“Secrecy in the selection and appointment process would be inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. It would undermine the independence, autonomy and accountability of INEC and the right of Nigerians to a free and fair election.”

“Electoral body is independent where it has administrative and financial autonomy; and offers sufficient guarantees of its members’ independence and impartiality.”

“Openness and transparency in the selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement and the appointment of a competent, independent and impartial chairman would also help to address the perception of bias which characterized the operations of INEC including during the 2023 general elections.”