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The Erosion of Democracy: Partisan Appointments in INEC and Senate’s Betrayal

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By Chidi Ekeh
In the annals of Nigeria’s democratic history, certain events stand out as defining moments, either bolstering our faith in democracy or causing us to question its very essence. The recent appointment and confirmation of card-carrying members and loyalists of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fall squarely into the latter category. In a nation where the integrity of elections is paramount, these appointments have struck a grievous blow to our democratic ideals. In this scathing op-ed, we will decry these appointments and condemn the Senate’s role in this betrayal of our democracy, demand accountability, and commend the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for its relentless pursuit of justice.
The Unholy Alliance
The appointment of APC members as RECs in INEC is not just a political maneuver; it is a blatant mockery of the principles that underpin our democracy. The very foundation of a democratic system is built on the notion of fairness, impartiality, and the strict separation of powers. These cardinal principles have been trampled upon with impunity, as loyalists of the ruling party are handed the keys to the electoral process, a process that should be impartial and beyond reproach.
The gravest sin committed in this debacle is the blatant disregard for the principle of neutrality. The INEC is supposed to be a non-partisan body, responsible for ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and transparently. By appointing individuals with clear affiliations to the APC, President Tinubu has struck a blow at the very heart of this impartiality. These appointments transform the INEC into a partisan tool, undermining the confidence of the opposition parties and the Nigerian electorate.
Senate’s Complicity
One might assume that the Senate, as the custodian of democratic values, would serve as a check and balance against such blatant disregard for democratic norms. However, the Senate’s role in this travesty is nothing short of complicity. The very institution entrusted with the protection of our democracy has, in fact, betrayed the people they were elected to serve.
The Senate’s confirmation of these partisan appointments is a betrayal of the trust of the Nigerian people. Instead of questioning the nominees’ affiliations and holding them to the highest standards of neutrality, the Senate has chosen to rubber-stamp President Tinubu’s decisions, undermining their own mandate and the very essence of democracy.
The deafening silence of the Senate in the face of these appointments speaks volumes. It is a testament to their willingness to put party loyalty above their responsibility to the people. Rather than acting as a bulwark against the erosion of democracy, they have become willing accomplices in its demise.
*A Demand for Accountability*
In the face of this glaring assault on the principles of democracy, it is imperative that we demand accountability. The government must be held responsible for its actions, and the people must make it clear that such appointments will not be tolerated. Accountability is not a matter of political affiliation; it is a matter of safeguarding the very foundation of our nation.
We must demand that the government adhere to the constitutional and legal requirements for the appointment of RECs. The Nigerian Constitution and electoral laws clearly stipulate the qualifications and criteria for the appointment of RECs, and these must be upheld. Age, integrity, and non-partisanship are the cornerstones of a successful REC. We must insist that these criteria are not just words on paper but standards that must be met without compromise.
Praise for SERAP
In this hour of darkness for our democracy, it is heartening to see organizations like SERAP standing up for the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law. SERAP’s decision to sue the Tinubu administration and the Senate over the partisan appointments in INEC is a beacon of hope in a sea of despair. It demonstrates the power of civil society in holding the government accountable for its actions.
SERAP’s actions are a testament to the resilience of civil society and the unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of democracy. They have taken a bold step in the pursuit of justice, and we must commend their dedication to ensuring that the right things are done.
 Qualities of a Resident Electoral Commissioner
To restore the credibility and integrity of INEC, we must first understand the qualities and qualifications that a REC should possess. The appointment of RECs is not a matter of political patronage; it is a matter of national importance. To be a successful REC, an individual must meet the following criteria:
Age: A REC must be at least 40 years old. This requirement is in place to ensure that appointees have the necessary experience and maturity to handle the responsibilities of the position.
Integrity: The individual appointed as a REC must be of unquestionable integrity. This means they should have a track record of ethical conduct and a commitment to upholding the principles of democracy.
Non-partisanship: Perhaps the most crucial qualification is non-partisanship. A REC should not be a member of any registered political party. This is to prevent any conflict of interest and to ensure that the individual can carry out their duties with impartiality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the appointment of APC members as RECs in INEC and the Senate’s confirmation of these appointments are dark days for Nigerian democracy. The erosion of the principles of fairness, impartiality, and neutrality in our electoral process is a threat to the very core of our nation.
We must demand accountability from our government and insist that they adhere to the constitutional and legal requirements for the appointment of RECs. The Nigerian people deserve an electoral commission that is beyond reproach, one that can conduct elections with integrity and transparency.
SERAP’s pursuit of justice is a glimmer of hope in these trying times. Their actions remind us that civil society can play a critical role in holding the government accountable and ensuring that the right things are done.
As we move forward, let us remember the qualities and qualifications that a REC should possess: age, integrity, and non-partisanship. These are not just words on paper; they are the standards that must be upheld to safeguard our democracy.
In the face of this assault on our democracy, we must be vengeful in our determination to restore the principles of fairness and impartiality. We must be angry at the betrayal of our trust by those who were meant to protect our democracy. Only then can we begin to rebuild the foundations of our nation and ensure that our democracy thrives.
Chidi Ekeh writes from Abuja
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Supreme Court to rule on ADC, PDP cases Thursday

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The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.

According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.

While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.

 

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Tinubu to reconstitute NHRC board, retains Ojukwu as ES/CEO

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President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.

Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.

Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.

Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.

The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.

He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.

If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.

Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.

 

 

 

 

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Breaking: EFCC investigates Pastor Jerry Eze over alleged money laundering

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has revealed that it investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him.

Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.

According to him, the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the commission observed large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.

“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.

“I said who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.

“So they said this one pastor of streams of joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.

The EFCC boss said he subsequently invited Eze for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled by investigators.

He added that upon meeting the cleric and reviewing the findings of the investigation, the commission found no wrongdoing.

“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people, and all of that.

“I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.

The remark drew applause from the audience, as Eze, who was present at the event, acknowledged the commendation.

He noted that the commission has a responsibility not only to investigate financial crimes but also to recognise individuals found to have acted with integrity.

The EFCC chairman, however, stated that the agency would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary, stressing that its preventive mandate remains critical in tackling corruption.

 

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