The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has warned against politicising the appointment of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
HURIWA in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko warned that all the progress recorded under the past leadership could be swiftly reversed if the presidency proceeds with any plan to install a politically subservient successor.
The association said the integrity of the 2027 elections depends heavily on the independence, competence, and neutrality of the next INEC Chair.
Mahmood Yakubu stepped down over the week after a decade as INEC boss. May Agbamuche-Mbu has taken over although on an interim basis.
HURIWA warned, “It would be disastrous for Nigeria’s democracy if President Tinubu appoints a stooge whose primary assignment is to manipulate the electoral process in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“Such a move would not only destroy the institutional gains made under Yakubu’s stewardship but also plunge the nation into renewed political instability, electoral distrust, and international disrepute.”
HURIWA called on civil society organisations, the media, professional bodies, and international partners to remain vigilant and insist on a transparent and merit-based selection process for the new INEC chairman.
The group emphasised that the next appointment must reflect competence, credibility, and non-partisanship, rather than political loyalty.
The association further urged the National Assembly to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks that safeguard INEC’s independence, including provisions that prevent the executive from unilaterally imposing leadership on the commission.
It also recommended that future electoral reforms prioritise redundancy measures, better training for ad hoc staff, and independent audits of result transmission systems to enhance transparency and public confidence.
“INEC’s reforms under Mahmood Yakubu are fragile gains that must not be squandered,” HURIWA cautioned.
“If the next leadership is chosen to serve political interests rather than national integrity, Nigeria’s electoral democracy will regress sharply. The people must resist any attempt to turn INEC into a partisan tool.”
HURIWA reaffirmed its commitment to defending the independence of Nigeria’s electoral institutions and ensuring that the 2027 elections reflect the will of the people, not the dictates of political cabals.
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