Situation Room Raises Concerns Over Nomination of Former INEC Chairman as Ambassador

By Julian Osamoto

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has raised concerns regarding the nomination of former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, for appointment as an ambassador.

In a statement signed by its convener Yinusa Ya’u in Abuja, the group says the development has implications for public trust in the electoral process, institutional independence and future election administration.

Concerns Over Public Perception

The Situation Room noted that Professor Yakubu oversaw the 2023 General Elections, a process it said attracted significant public scrutiny and legal challenges.

According to the group, the decision to nominate him for a diplomatic role by the administration that emerged from that election could influence public perception of electoral neutrality.

Implications for Electoral Precedent

The statement added that the nomination may set an unhealthy precedent by creating the impression that senior electoral officials could receive appointments from political office holders soon after leaving office.

The group warned that such perceptions could affect confidence in the neutrality of INEC ahead of future electoral cycles.

Call for Ethical Consideration

Although acknowledging that no law bars former electoral officials from being appointed to public office, the group argued that democratic norms in many countries encourage a “cooling-off period” to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of political reward.

Appeal to the Senate

The Situation Room urged the Senate, which is constitutionally responsible for confirming diplomatic nominations, to consider the broader implications for electoral integrity and public confidence in democratic institutions.

The group called on stakeholders across civil society, the media and political institutions to remain attentive to issues affecting the independence of the electoral process.