2027: Atiku Raises Alarm over Appointment of Two Yorubas as INEC Heads, Warns Tinubu

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the appointment and redeployment of officials to key departments of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the electoral body operates independently.

Atiku’s concerns centre on reported changes involving two officials of Yoruba origin appointed to oversee critical departments responsible for electoral operations and information technology.

In a statement issued on Sunday through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned the reported appointment of Mrs Oluyemi Titilayo Adeyemi-Showunmi to head INEC’s Electoral Operations Department and Dr Lawrence Bayode to lead its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department.

Adeyemi-Showunmi reportedly replaced Isa Magaji Gum, who was redeployed to the Voter Registry Department.

Atiku argued that the departments play crucial roles in election administration and that the commission should explain the criteria used in making the appointments and redeployments.

He called on INEC to publish the relevant criteria and demonstrate that the decisions followed due process, were based on merit and were free from political interference.

The former vice-president cautioned, however, against assuming that any official was compromised because of ethnicity, background or personal associations. He maintained that the sensitivity of the appointments made transparency and public confidence particularly important.

Atiku also demanded clarification regarding reports about the production, printing and custody of sensitive election materials ahead of the 2027 polls.

He urged INEC to disclose the companies contracted to produce the materials, the procurement procedures followed, the states assigned to each contractor and the security arrangements governing production, storage and delivery.

According to him, Nigerians deserve clear answers about arrangements that could affect the credibility of the electoral process.

Atiku further warned against any attempt to manipulate the elections, insisting that the commission must protect its independence and demonstrate impartiality in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

The concerns come as political parties and other stakeholders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.

INEC’s handling of appointments, procurement and election logistics is expected to remain under scrutiny as the country approaches the polls.

The commission’s explanations regarding the reported personnel changes and electoral-material contracts will be important in addressing the questions raised and sustaining public confidence in the electoral process.