The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw names of alleged All Progressives Congress APC, members nominated for confirmation as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Wakadaily gathered that the president had on 26 July sent to the Senate the names of 19 resident electoral commissioners for confirmation. At least four of the 19 nominees allegedly either belong to a political party or have been previously indicted for corruption.

Reacting to that, SERAP in a letter dated 3 September, 2022 signed by the director Kolawole Oluwadare, and was copied to Dr Ahmad Lawan, Senate President, and Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of House of Representatives. Said, “the combined effect of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Electoral Act and international standards is the requirement that elections must be organized by a truly independent and impartial electoral body.

The organisation said,  “Withdrawing the names of those nominees who are allegedly members of the APC, and replacing them with people of unquestionably integrity and competence, who are not members of any political party would improve the independence of INEC and promote public confidence in the appointment process.

“Your government has a legal responsibility to promote and guarantee the integrity, credibility, and independence of INEC, and to ensure that the electoral body is free from political and other interferences.”

The letter read, “As its name suggests, INEC is expected to maintain independence or absolute neutrality. INEC must not only be independent and impartial, but must also be seen to be independent and impartial.”

“Promoting the independence of INEC, including by appointing people of unquestionable integrity and competence, and who are not members of any political party as RECs would be entirely consistent with your constitutional oath of office, and your oft-stated promise to ensure free and fair elections in 2023.

“INEC ought to be independent and impartial in the exercise of its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.

“This means that anyone nominated for appointment as RECs should be persons of integrity and high standing, and should be independent and impartial, so that INEC can enjoy the public trust and confidence necessary for it to effectively and satisfactorily carry out its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.

“We hope that the aspects highlighted will help guide your actions in acting to withdraw the names of those nominated for confirmation as RECs, and who are allegedly members of the APC.

“We would be grateful if the requested action is taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest,” SERAP said.