Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain recent appointments and personnel changes in key departments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku expressed concern over the reported appointments of Mrs Oluyemi Titilayo Adeyemi-Showunmi to head the Electoral Operations Department and Dr Lawrence Bayode to lead the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department.
His position was conveyed in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu.
The former vice president urged President Bola Tinubu to refrain from interfering in the affairs of the electoral commission, stressing that public confidence in the 2027 elections would depend on transparency and INEC’s independence.
Atiku demands explanation of appointments
Atiku questioned the reported appointment of Adeyemi-Showunmi, who was said to have replaced Magaji Gum in the Electoral Operations Department. He also raised concerns about the leadership of the ICT Department, which plays an important role in the commission’s electoral processes.
He called on INEC to publish the criteria used in making the appointments and explain how the decisions were reached.
“These departments are at the heart of election administration. INEC must explain these decisions, publish the criteria applied and show that every appointment and redeployment followed due process, was based on merit and was free from political interference,” Atiku said.
He maintained that Nigerians deserved clear explanations rather than general assurances about the integrity of the electoral process.
ADC candidate demands disclosure of election contractors
Atiku also called on INEC to clarify reports concerning companies involved in producing materials for the 2027 elections.
He urged the commission to disclose the names of the companies engaged, the materials assigned to each contractor, the states covered by their assignments and the procurement procedures followed.
He further requested information on security clearances and measures designed to protect election materials during production, storage and delivery.
Atiku argued that making such information available would help improve transparency and public confidence ahead of the polls.
The commission’s response to the specific demands was not included in the statement supplied for this report.
Atiku warns against electoral manipulation
The ADC presidential candidate warned that any attempt to manipulate the 2027 elections would face opposition through lawful and democratic means.
He said Nigerians expected the electoral process to reflect their votes and called on INEC officials to recognise their responsibility to the electorate.
“Any attempt to rig the 2027 polls will be met with determined resistance through the ballot, lawful civic action, and every other democratic channel available to the people,” he stated.
Nigeria’s presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, according to INEC’s published election calendar. The commission’s independence and the transparency of its preparations are likely to remain important issues as the election approaches.
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Featured Image Alt Text: Atiku Abubakar raises concerns over INEC appointments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections
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Image Description: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded transparency over reported appointments in key INEC departments and the companies involved in producing materials for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
