As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have highlighted key qualities they expect from the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The parties stressed the need for credibility, neutrality and a firm commitment to democratic values.
Current INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who was first appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, will complete his tenure in November, making him the longest-serving head of the commission. According to Section 154 (1) of the amended 1999 Constitution, the President appoints the INEC chairman subject to Senate confirmation. The constitution further requires that the appointee must be at least 50 years old and possess unquestionable integrity.
President Bola Tinubu is reported to have compiled a shortlist of potential successors.
However, APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the ruling party wants an INEC chairman who will guarantee a fair and competitive electoral environment.
“Our interest is winning elections in a free and fair atmosphere,” Ibrahim told The PUNCH. “We want a leader who will ensure a level playing field and conduct elections strictly by the book, allowing democracy to deliver dividends to the people.”
Also the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba urged the President and stakeholders to appoint someone whose integrity is beyond question.
“The next INEC chairman must be impartial and independent as required by the constitution,” Ologunagba said. “The President should ensure a thorough review of any nominee to confirm the person’s character and competence. Nigerians expect nothing less from both the Presidency and the National Assembly.”
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned that the credibility of future elections is at stake.
“Over the years, INEC has suffered a crisis of credibility,” Abdullahi said. “The new chairman must inspire public confidence and ensure that the electoral system is trusted. Failure to appoint a neutral and credible leader could create instability, similar to Ukraine’s Orange Revolution.”
Abdullahi added that if the appointment appears biased toward the ruling party, the opposition would respond appropriately.
The selection of the next INEC chair is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future and ensuring the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
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