2027: Atiku Questions Appointment of Two Yoruba Officials to Key INEC Positions

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the appointment of two officials of Yoruba origin to key departments of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling on President Bola Tinubu and the commission to ensure transparency in the electoral process.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made his position known in a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Strategic Communications, Phrank Shaibu.

He questioned recent changes in the leadership of key INEC departments, particularly those responsible for electoral operations, voter registration and information technology.

Reports indicate that Isa Magaji Gum was redeployed 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 the head of the Information and Communication Technology Department.

Atiku demanded that INEC explain the criteria used in making the appointments and redeployments, insisting that Nigerians deserved clarity on decisions affecting the management of the 2027 elections.

He also called on the commission to disclose details of contracts relating to the production, printing and custody of sensitive electoral materials, arguing that transparency was necessary to build public confidence in the electoral process.

The former vice president warned that any perceived lack of openness in the administration of the elections could raise doubts about the commission’s impartiality and undermine confidence in the outcome.

He urged INEC to provide timely explanations on the changes and demonstrate that its decisions were guided by established procedures and professional considerations.

Atiku’s concerns come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with electoral credibility, the independence of INEC and the management of sensitive election materials emerging as major issues in the political debate.