Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over reported appointments and staff redeployments within the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, called on INEC to explain the changes in key departments responsible for election operations and information technology, warning that the commission must demonstrate its impartiality.
In a statement issued through his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the reported changes required clarification to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
Reports indicated that Isa Magaji Gum had been moved from the Electoral Operations Department to the Voter Registry Department, while Oluyemi Titilayo Adeyemi-Showunmi was appointed to head Electoral Operations. Lawrence Bayode was also identified as head of the Information and Communication Technology Department.
Atiku urged INEC to publish the criteria used for the appointments and redeployments, insisting that the decisions should be based on merit and follow due process.
He also questioned reports concerning the companies selected to produce sensitive election materials for the 2027 polls, asking the commission to disclose the contractors involved and the safeguards governing the production, storage and delivery of the materials.
The former vice-president said transparency was necessary to prevent doubts about the commission’s independence and ensure that political parties and voters had confidence in the election process.
Atiku further warned against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 elections, saying Nigerians should be able to exercise their democratic rights without interference.
The ADC has also called on INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, to provide explanations for the reported personnel changes and publish the relevant information.
The allegations have not, by themselves, established that INEC acted improperly. The commission’s explanation and any supporting evidence will be important in assessing the claims.
INEC’s response to the concerns will be closely watched as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.
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