NEWS
Withdraw Nomination of Alleged APC Members as INEC RECs, SERAP Tells Buhari
By Lucky Momoh
President Buhari
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his “leadership position to urgently withdraw the names of nominees recently submitted to the Senate for confirmation as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who are allegedly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
According to reports, the president had on 26 July sent to the Senate the names of 19 resident electoral commissioners for confirmation. At least four of the 19 nominees allegedly either belong to a political party or have been previously indicted for corruption.
In a letter dated 3 September 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said, “the combined effect of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Electoral Act and international standards is the requirement that elections must be organized by a truly independent and impartial electoral body.”
SERAP said, “Withdrawing the names of those nominees who are allegedly members of the APC, and replacing them with people of unquestionable integrity and competence, and who are not members of any political party would improve the independence of INEC and promote public confidence in the appointment process.”
According to SERAP, “Your government has a legal responsibility to promote and guarantee the integrity, credibility, and independence of INEC, and to ensure that the electoral body is free from political and other interferences.”
The letter, read in part: “As its name suggests, INEC is expected to maintain independence or absolute neutrality. INEC must not only be independent and impartial but must also be seen to be independent and impartial.”
“Promoting the independence of INEC, including by appointing people of unquestionable integrity and competence, and who are not members of any political party as RECs would be entirely consistent with your constitutional oath of office, and your oft-stated promise to ensure free and fair elections in 2023.”
“INEC ought to be independent and impartial in the exercise of its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”
“This means that anyone nominated for appointment as RECs should be persons of integrity and high standing, and should be independent and impartial so that INEC can enjoy the public trust and confidence necessary for it to effectively and satisfactorily carry out its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”
“The mere fact that INEC has ‘independent’ in its name does not in itself make it independent. What makes an institution truly independent are its attributes and characteristics, and the credibility and transparency of the appointment process.”
“Public perception of the independence of INEC is also essential for building public confidence in the electoral process. Where Nigerians have doubts about the independence of INEC, they are more likely to have less confidence in the electoral process, thereby undermining democracy.”
“The will of the people is expressed through democratic elections. This requires that elections must be free, fair, legitimate, and credible. However, the credibility and legitimacy of elections depend in part on the integrity and competence of the body conducting the process and the transparency of the appointment process for RECs.”
“We hope that the aspects highlighted will help guide your actions in acting to withdraw the names of those nominated for confirmation as RECs, and who are allegedly members of the APC.”
“We would be grateful if the requested action is taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
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“Section 156(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (amended) provides that any member of INEC ‘shall not be a member of a political party.’”
“According to Item F, paragraph 14(3)(b) of the Third Schedule, Part 1 of the Nigerian Constitution, a Resident Electoral Commissioner shall be a person of unquestionable integrity and shall not be a member of any political party.’”
“Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that the appointment of anyone as a member of INEC shall be consistent with the provisions of the Constitution, including this provision.”
“Similarly, article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights both of which Nigeria is a state party provide that the will of the people should be the basis of the authority of government.”
“Furthermore, the African Union African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, which Nigeria has also ratified requires States Parties to establish and strengthen independent and impartial national electoral bodies including INEC responsible for the management of elections.”
“The United Nation Human Rights Committee, established to oversee the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has ruled that states should establish independent electoral authorities to supervise the electoral process and to ensure that elections are conducted fairly, impartially, and in accordance with established laws that are compatible with the covenant.”
“According to our information, the Senate recently confirmed the receipt of your nomination for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
“Those nominated as RECs are Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa – Renewal); Obo Effanga (Cross River – Renewal); Umar Ibrahim (Taraba – Renewal); Agboke Olaleke (Ogun – Renewal); and Samuel Egwu, a professor, (Kogi – Renewal).”
“Others are Onyeka Ugochi (Imo); Muhammad Bashir (Sokoto); Ayobami Salami, a professor, (Oyo); Zango Abdu (Katsina); Queen Agwu (Ebonyi); and Agundu Tersoo (Benue).”
“Also to be confirmed are: Yomere Oritsemlebi (Delta); Yahaya Ibrahim, a professor, (Kaduna); Nura Ali (Kano); Agu Uchenna (Enugu); Ahmed Garki (FCT); Hudu Yunusa (Bauchi); Uzochukwu Chijioke, a professor, (Anambra); and Mohammed Nura (Yobe).”
The letter was copied to Dr. Ahmad Lawan, Senate President, and Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of being “held hostage by fraudsters” following the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the Presidency’s response to the scandal exposed what he described as a deep institutional crisis within the Federal Government.
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According to him, the government’s explanation that a private individual allegedly forged presidential documents, impersonated senior government officials, established an office inside the Federal Secretariat, opened bank accounts using government identities, and engaged foreign diplomats without insider support is difficult to believe.
He argued that rather than clearing the air, the Presidency’s defence had raised even more questions about the integrity of government institutions.
Atiku also questioned reports that about ₦1.3 billion was appropriated for the PFIPC in the 2026 Appropriation Act, despite claims by the Presidency that the agency never officially existed.
The former vice president challenged the government to explain how an allegedly non-existent agency found its way into the national budget, asking which ministries, officials, National Assembly committees, and lawmakers processed and approved the allocation before it was signed into law.
He further criticised the National Assembly for failing to detect the alleged anomaly during the budget process and questioned the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing anti-graft agencies of selective enforcement.
Atiku maintained that regardless of whether the incident was the work of a sophisticated fraud syndicate or the result of institutional failure, the government must accept responsibility for allowing such a situation to occur.
While acknowledging that the individual at the centre of the controversy may face prosecution, he insisted that the Presidency must also account for the institutional lapses that allegedly enabled the activities.
Calling for an independent investigation, Atiku urged authorities to follow the evidence without political interference, insisting that no individual or institution should be shielded from scrutiny.
He added that the alleged fake agency saga has become another test of accountability and transparency in the Tinubu administration, urging Nigerians to demand answers from those entrusted with managing public institutions.
The Federal Government has announced that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will replace its iconic khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of a sweeping reform aimed at repositioning the scheme and promoting indigenous industries.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the development during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday.
According to the minister, the adoption of Adire is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s textile industry by ensuring government spending supports local manufacturers.
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“It’s Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have the textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country,” Olawande said.
The minister also revealed that the ongoing restructuring of the NYSC would see corps members posted based on their academic qualifications and professional backgrounds.
Under the new arrangement, graduates with education-related qualifications will be deployed to schools, while others will be assigned to sectors that align with their areas of study to improve productivity and national development.
Addressing security concerns, Olawande said the Federal Government is considering posting prospective corps members to regions where they studied or are familiar with, particularly in areas facing security challenges.
He noted that the move would reduce concerns among parents and corps members while making deployments more practical.
He further dismissed reports suggesting the military would be removed from the NYSC, describing such claims as a misconception.
According to him, while the scheme’s operational leadership will become civilian-led, the military will continue to play a key role in providing security and supporting the orientation programme.
The reforms follow the Federal Executive Council’s approval of a comprehensive overhaul of the 53-year-old NYSC scheme.
As part of the process, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to facilitate the implementation of the reforms.
The Federal Government said the changes are designed to transform the NYSC into a skills-oriented, productivity-driven and youth empowerment institution that supports its vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
Nigeria has secured a fresh $1.25 billion financing package from the World Bank to support ongoing economic reforms, boost private sector investment and create more jobs across the country.
The funding was approved under the Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration (NAIJA) programme and forms part of the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Nigeria, which will run from 2026 to 2032.
According to the World Bank, the financing is designed to help Nigeria remove barriers to private investment, improve the business environment and lay the foundation for faster, more inclusive economic growth.
The programme will support reforms across critical sectors, including the capital market, digital economy, power sector, agriculture, trade liberalisation under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as domestic revenue mobilisation.
The global financial institution said the initiative is expected to expand electricity access to about 32 million Nigerians, provide broadband connectivity for 58 million people, improve health and nutrition services for 40 million citizens, and support approximately 9.5 million farmers.
The World Bank added that its six-year Country Partnership Framework is focused on mobilising private capital, strengthening economic resilience and creating productive jobs while supporting investments in infrastructure, digital connectivity, human capital and agricultural productivity.
Speaking on the approval, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said the framework builds on Nigeria’s recent macroeconomic reforms, which have contributed to stronger economic growth, improved public revenues and renewed investor confidence.
He stressed that sustaining the reform agenda would be crucial to unlocking the country’s full economic potential and creating more opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
The latest financing package is expected to complement the Federal Government’s efforts to accelerate economic reforms, attract investment and promote long-term, private sector-led growth.
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