INEC’s Independence Compromised by Executive Control — ADP National Chairman

The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Yabagi Sani, has expressed concern that the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains compromised due to the presidency’s control over its funding and appointments.

Sani made the remark on Saturday during an interview on Arise Television, while reacting to the recent appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new INEC Chairman.

He warned that the current structure of Nigeria’s electoral system makes the commission vulnerable to manipulation and influence from the executive arm of government.

“It’s a big historic task. In fact, for the new chairman of INEC, from the pedigree that I’ve read, I think he’s up to it in terms of his qualifications, experience, and exposure as a legal person, an academic, and an administrator,” Sani said.

However, he expressed reservations about the process of appointment, stressing that it raises doubts about the commission’s autonomy.

“I have mixed feelings because when you look at the environment, we are practising constitutional democracy, and the constitution clearly states that the person who appoints the INEC Chairman, the Commissioners, and the 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners is the President. That is a big challenge,” he added.

Sani maintained that until the financial and appointment processes of INEC are insulated from the presidency, Nigeria’s electoral body cannot function as a truly independent institution capable of guaranteeing free, fair, and credible elections.