With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have listed their expectations for the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Their demands focus on credibility, neutrality, and firm commitment to democratic values.
The tenure of the current INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, ends in November. Appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, Yakubu is the longest-serving electoral chief in Nigeria’s history. In line with constitutional provisions, President Bola Tinubu is expected to appoint a successor, subject to Senate confirmation.
According to Section 154 (1) of the amended 1999 Constitution, the INEC chairman’s appointment must be ratified by the Senate. Paragraph 14 of Part I of the Third Schedule further stipulates that the appointee must be at least 50 years old and possess “unquestionable integrity.” Reports suggest that President Tinubu has already drawn up a shortlist of candidates for the position.
APC’s Position
Speaking with Sagamu Update, APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the ruling party expects the next INEC chairman to provide a level playing field for all political actors. While noting that the APC’s interest is in winning elections, he stressed that such victories must be achieved under a free, fair, and credible process.
“Our interest is in winning elections in a free and fair atmosphere. We want to control power in a way that delivers democratic dividends to the people. Therefore, we look forward to an INEC chairman who will play by the book and ensure no party is muzzled or shut out,” Ibrahim stated.
PDP’s Position
On its part, the PDP emphasized that integrity and impartiality must define the incoming INEC chairman. National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, urged President Tinubu and stakeholders to conduct a thorough review of any nominee’s character before appointment.
“The next INEC chairman must be a person of integrity, impartial, independent, and committed to credible elections. Nigerians expect the President and National Assembly to ensure that whoever is appointed has no questionable character and has a proven track record of supporting democracy,” Ologunagba said.
ADC’s Position
Similarly, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, raised concerns over INEC’s recurring credibility challenges. Abdullahi stressed that the commission’s new leadership must prioritize restoring public trust.
“The incoming INEC chairman must rebuild confidence in the commission by ensuring that the 2027 elections are truly credible. Failure to achieve this could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability,” Abdullahi warned.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, all eyes remain on President Tinubu’s choice of INEC chairman and the ability of the appointee to navigate Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape.