Removal of INEC RECs will build trust in electoral process

The decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to relieve three INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from Adamawa, Sokoto and Abia states of their jobs is a step toward restoring public trust in the electoral process in the country.

The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA), which made this stance known in a statement on Friday in Abuja, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and President Tinubu for their decisive action in terminating the appointments of the trio.

PAACA’s Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, described the development as a significant step toward ensuring accountability and restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Ezenwa said President Tinubu’s formal request to the Senate for the termination of the appointments of Barrister Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa REC), Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto REC), and Mr. Ike Uzochukwu (Abia REC) aligns with constitutional oversight provisions and reinforces the need for ethical conduct among election officials.

Ezenwa maintained that it is crucial that the replacements for the dismissed RECs are individuals who are impartial and free from partisan interests, adding that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process depends on having neutral and competent officials at the helm of election management.

Ezenwa called on the Senate to exercise due diligence in the confirmation process, ensuring that only individuals of unquestionable integrity are entrusted with these critical positions in INEC.

Ezenwa noted that INEC had taken initial disciplinary action by suspending the three RECs in March 2023 over their alleged misconduct during the general elections.

Yunusa-Ari was suspended for unlawfully usurping the Returning Officer’s role in the Adamawa governorship election and making an unauthorized declaration of results. Dr Ali and Mr Uzochukwu were suspended for dereliction of duty, with Dr. Ali also facing prosecution over bribery allegations.

Ezenwa, however, explained the complexity involved in the discipline of personnel of the electoral commission, as it took over one year after their suspension before their eventual sack.

He noted: “The decision of President Bola Tinubu to formally request the Senate to terminate the appointments of the three RECs points to the fact that while some Nigerians argue about INEC’s regulatory powers, it is imperative to recognise the constitutional framework within which the commission operates.

“It is essential to remember that the suspension of these officials for over a year highlights the complex process required for their removal, which necessitates the combined action of the President and the National Assembly. During this period, these individuals continued to receive full salaries, emphasising the need for oversight institutions to act decisively in the public interest.”

The advocacy group also lauded INEC for its commitment to electoral integrity, citing the recent conviction of Professor Ignatius Uduk in Akwa Ibom State. Uduk, a university lecturer, was sentenced to three years in prison for electoral fraud in the 2019 general election, marking a rare but significant victory in the fight against election malpractice.