SERAP Asks Tinubu To Make INEC Chairman Selection Process Public

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure transparency in the appointment of the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu ends in November.

In a letter dated September 27, 2025, and signed by deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group asked Tinubu to disclose the number and names of candidates being considered for the role and whether the Council of State has been or will be consulted, as required by the Constitution.

SERAP said the process should not be “a closed shop,” insisting that openness would improve public trust in the commission’s independence. The group stressed that the credibility of elections depends largely on the impartiality of those who manage them.

It also asked Tinubu to revisit his appointment of at least three alleged APC members as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), describing it as a breach of constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.

“Transparency in the process would ensure competent and impartial people are appointed, reduce conflicts of interest, and strengthen democratic institutions,” the group said.

SERAP warned that secrecy in the selection process would undermine the autonomy of INEC and Nigerians’ right to free and fair elections. It reminded the President that the Constitution requires Senate confirmation and consultation with the Council of State before the appointment can stand.

The organisation also cited international standards such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantee citizens the right to freely participate in governance.

SERAP gave the government seven days to act on its recommendations or face legal action to compel compliance.

Yakubu, who has served two terms, will step down in November, making way for a new chairman ahead of the 2027 general elections.