The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to review his appointment of several Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) accused of being members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Guardian reports that the group is urging the president to replace them with individuals of proven integrity and no political affiliations, in line with constitutional requirements.

In a letter dated June 7, 2025, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation warned that the presence of alleged partisan figures in INEC could damage the credibility of the upcoming 2027 general elections.

It cited the nominations and subsequent Senate confirmations of Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers), all appointed in October 2023, as a cause for concern.

“Public perception of the independence of INEC is essential for building confidence in the electoral process,” SERAP stated. “Where Nigerians have doubts about INEC’s neutrality, they are more likely to lose trust in the electoral system, thereby undermining democracy.”

SERAP called on President Tinubu to use his office to nominate individuals who are non-partisan and meet the constitutional criteria for INEC appointments. It also asked the president to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to draft a bill for submission to the National Assembly that would enhance the electoral commission’s independence.

The group cited several constitutional and legal provisions to support its appeal. These include Section 156(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that INEC officials must not belong to political parties, and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule, which mandates that RECs be non-partisan and of unquestionable integrity.

“The credibility and legitimacy of elections depend largely on the independence and impartiality of those appointed to manage the process,” the letter read. “Without these safeguards, the democratic rights of Nigerians remain illusory.”

SERAP also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under international frameworks such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and recommendations from the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Both stress the importance of having independent and impartial electoral bodies.

“The will of the people is expressed through democratic elections. This requires not just legal safeguards but also public confidence in the institutions conducting the process,” the organisation said.
Reiterating the urgency of its demands, SERAP concluded: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken urgently to ensure respect for the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

The Presidency has yet to issue a formal response to the letter.