HURIWA kicks over INEC chairman’s redeployment of Segun Sowunmi’s wife to oversee 2027 polls

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has expressed concern over the Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Joash Amupitan’s deployment of Segun Sowunmi’s wife, Oluyemi Titilayo Adeyemi-Showunmi, to head the Electoral Operations Department ahead of the 2027 election.

It was learnt that Ms Adeyemi-Showunmi, who previously served as administrative secretary at the commission’s Lagos office, has been reportedly assigned to head the electoral operations department.

In a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA faulted Ms Adeyemi-Showunmi’s redeployment, citing her husband’s loyalty and support for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection.

“Why should INEC assign a woman whose husband reportedly supports President Tinubu’s re-election bid to head Electoral Operations, one of the most sensitive departments in the commission? This decision raises legitimate questions that Professor Amupitan must urgently answer,” the group stated.

HURIWA further challenged INEC to disclose the criteria used in the appointments and redeployments, particularly those affecting its Electoral Operations and Information and Communication Technology departments.

The group stressed the need for the electoral commission to demonstrate that competence, due process and institutional independence guided its decisions.

It added, “HURIWA finds these reported redeployments ominous and suspicious. INEC must not allow unanswered questions about its internal arrangements to erode Nigerians’ confidence in the 2027 elections.”

According to the group, INEC should address the concerns before political activities intensify, rather than wait until parties and voters begin raising questions during the election period.

“INEC must come clean. Nigerians deserve an electoral commission that inspires confidence through its decisions and actions. Professor Amupitan must explain these reported redeployments and demonstrate that no political interest can influence the commission’s preparations for the 2027 elections,” it added.

Mr Sowunmi, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain in Ogun State, was appointed to the Media and Strategic Communication Directorate of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) Presidential Campaign Council ahead the 2027 general elections.

The politician has been going round media organisations advocating Mr Tinubu’s relection and downplaying the chances of opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.