“PAACA Applauds Tinubu and INEC for Taking Action on Disgraced Electoral Officials”
The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA) has lauded both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and President Bola Tinubu for their decisive actions in dismissing three suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states.
In a statement released on Friday, PAACA’s Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, hailed the dismissal as a crucial step toward rebuilding public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system and promoting ethical conduct among election officials.
President Tinubu had earlier requested the Senate to terminate the appointments of Barrister Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa REC), Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto REC), and Mr. Ike Uzochukwu (Abia REC). This move aligns with constitutional provisions for oversight, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to integrity in its electoral process.
A Bold Move Toward Restoring Trust
PAACA noted that the three RECs had been suspended in March 2023 due to allegations of misconduct during the general elections. Yunusa-Ari was accused of unlawfully assuming the role of Returning Officer in the Adamawa governorship election and announcing unauthorized results. Meanwhile, Dr. Ali and Mr. Uzochukwu were suspended for dereliction of duty, with Dr. Ali also facing charges of bribery.
Ezenwa pointed out the challenges of the disciplinary process within INEC, acknowledging that the officials’ suspension lasted over a year before their eventual dismissal. However, he emphasized that the decision to formally request the termination of their appointments is consistent with the constitutional framework guiding INEC’s operations.
“The move by President Bola Tinubu to seek Senate approval for the termination of the three RECs sends a clear message about the importance of accountability,” Ezenwa said. “While some may debate INEC’s regulatory powers, it’s critical to understand the constitutional context in which it functions.”
Bureaucratic Delays and Electoral Integrity
PAACA also highlighted the bureaucratic delays that resulted in the suspended RECs continuing to receive full salaries despite their misconduct. This, according to PAACA, underscores the need for more prompt and effective action by oversight bodies to protect the public interest.
The advocacy group further commended INEC for its commitment to maintaining 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 committed during the 2019 elections, marking a rare but significant win in the fight against electoral malpractice.
A Call for Accountability and Diligence in Election Oversight
PAACA called on political parties and security agencies to adopt similar internal disciplinary measures to ensure election integrity is upheld at every level. “We urge political parties and security agencies to follow INEC’s example by holding their personnel accountable for any actions that compromise the credibility of our elections,” said Ezenwa.
The group also stressed the need for the appointment of new RECs with unquestionable integrity, urging the Senate to exercise due diligence during the confirmation process to avoid any partisan interference in the management of future elections.
“It is essential that the individuals appointed as RECs are impartial and free from political influence. The credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system relies on having competent and neutral officials overseeing the process,” Ezenwa added.
