Ensuring Electoral Integrity: SERAP’s Call to Action

Ensuring Electoral Integrity: SERAP’s Call to Action

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of alleged All Progressives Congress (APC) members as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). SERAP’s call comes amid concerns that the appointments could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.SERAP’s letter to President Tinubu highlights the potential risks of having partisan RECs, which could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections. The organization argues that the appointments contradict the principles of independence and impartiality that are essential for free and fair elections.SERAP has made two key decisions ,SERAP urges President Tinubu to nominate qualified Nigerians who are not members of any political party to replace the alleged APC members as RECs.

SERAP also calls on the President to direct the Attorney General to draft a bill to enhance INEC’s independence, ensuring that the commission can function without undue influence.

If SERAP’s demands are not met, the 2027 general elections may be compromised, leading to:
Partisan RECs could erode public trust in the electoral process.
The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy may be undermined if the electoral process is perceived as biased.

SERAP’s call to action highlights the importance of ensuring electoral integrity in Nigeria. By appointing independent and impartial RECs, the government can help build trust in the electoral process and ensure that the 2027 general elections are free and fair.