Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concerns over the appointment of two persons of Yoruba ethnicity to head key departments of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement issued on Sunday, Atiku's spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, disclosed that the appointments were made to head the Electoral Operations and Voter Registry Department and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department.
The appointments in question are those of Mrs Oluyemi Titilayo Adeyemi-Showunmi and Dr Lawrence Bayode. According to reports, Adeyemi-Showunmi was recently appointed to replace Magaji Gum, while Bayode serves as head of the ICT Department. Both departments play critical roles in the administration of elections. Atiku's concerns come ahead of the 2027 presidential election, which is scheduled to take place on January 16, 2027.
Atiku has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to keep his hands off the country's electoral body, emphasizing the need for free and fair polls. He demanded that the Tinubu administration publish the criteria used for Adeyemi-Showunmi's appointment, stressing that Nigerian voters would not accept a stolen election. Atiku insisted that INEC must explain its decisions, publish the criteria applied, and show that every appointment and redeployment followed due process and was based on merit.
The former Vice President also demanded clarification from INEC over reports concerning the production of election materials. He called on the commission to disclose details of the companies involved and the safeguards put in place. Atiku emphasized that Nigerians should not have to depend on unnamed sources to discover who is producing their ballots. INEC must confirm or deny these reports and publish relevant information.
Atiku's concerns are centered on ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. He warned against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections, stating that Nigerians would resist such moves through democratic means. Atiku emphasized that INEC officials must understand that the country is watching and that they will be held accountable for their conduct.
Key to Atiku's demands is the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. He stressed that Nigerians will not accept vague assurances on matters this serious. The appointments and reports in question demand urgent and unequivocal answers from INEC. Atiku's statement underscores the importance of maintaining public trust in the electoral body.
Atiku's warning and demands come at a critical time, as the country prepares for the 2027 presidential election. The former Vice President's statement highlights the need for INEC to demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections. Ultimately, Atiku's concerns and demands aim to ensure that the electoral process is transparent, credible, and accountable to the Nigerian people.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar warns President Tinubu to keep hands off INEC ahead of 2027 elections.
- Atiku demands publication of criteria used for INEC appointments.
- Atiku warns against attempts to manipulate the 2027 general elections.
