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Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 6, 2025

Bumpy Road to 2027: Allegations of Electoral Manipulation Surface as INEC Faces Scrutiny

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, concerns are mounting over the integrity of the electoral process. Allegations have emerged suggesting that political elites are attempting to compromise the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), raising fears about the potential rigging of the upcoming polls.

INEC’s Leadership Under the Microscope

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the current INEC Chairman, is set to conclude his tenure in November 2025. Reports indicate that President Bola Tinubu and his allies are actively seeking a successor who may be amenable to their interests. Sources suggest that a former South-South governor is spearheading efforts to install a compliant individual in the role, potentially undermining the commission’s neutrality. [1]
Civil society organizations and political analysts have expressed alarm over these developments. Professor Adele Jinadu, a former commissioner in the defunct National Electoral Commission, warned of attempts by the ruling elite to “invade” INEC by appointing loyalists to key positions, thereby compromising the commission’s independence. [2]

Opposition Voices Raise Concerns

The Northern Obedient Youth Assembly (NOYA), a pro-Labour Party group, has accused INEC of colluding with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the 2027 elections. The group’s chairman, Hussaini Murkhtar, cited the exclusion of the Labour Party’s national chairman from a recent INEC meeting as evidence of a secret pact aimed at ensuring the APC’s continued hold on power. [3]

Former Governor Rotimi Amaechi has also criticized INEC, alleging that the commission is obstructing the registration of new political parties, thereby stifling opposition voices. He contends that INEC has ceased to function as an impartial umpire, instead aligning itself with the ruling party’s interests. [4]

Calls for Transparent Electoral Process
As the nation gears up for the 2027 elections, stakeholders are calling for transparency and adherence to democratic principles. There is a growing demand for the appointment of a non-partisan INEC chairman who can restore public confidence in the electoral process. Observers stress the importance of safeguarding the commission’s independence to ensure free and fair elections.

The unfolding scenario underscores the critical need for vigilance and active civic engagement to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

For more in-depth coverage of Nigeria’s political landscape, stay tuned to Sele Media Africa.
Citations:
1.⁠ ⁠Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/inec-tinubu-shops-for-yakubus-replacement/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2.⁠ ⁠The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/2027-stakeholders-allege-ruling-elites-plot-to-hijack-inec/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3.⁠ ⁠Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2024/07/inec-apc-planning-to-rig-elections-in-2027-obidient-group-alleges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4.⁠ ⁠Peoples Gazette Nigeria: gazettengr.com/inec-chairman-mahmood-yakubu-tinubu-blocking-opposition-from-registering-new-parties-amaechi/?utm_source=chatgpt.com