2027: CSOs back INEC staff redeployment, warn against ethnic, political interference claims

…say allegations remain unverified, urge transparency, due process

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption (COCSOAC) and more than 33 partner civil society organisations have cautioned against allegations of ethnic favouritism and political interference in reported staff redeployments at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the claims have not been independently verified.

The coalition urged Nigerians, the media and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and subject allegations concerning the Commission to evidence-based scrutiny, warning against conclusions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

In a press conference statement jointly signed by COCSOAC President, Bola Ademola, and its National Secretary, Comrade Abdulfatah Aliyu, and issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the organisations said they had noted an online publication alleging questionable staff redeployments, including the reported reassignment of a Northern director and the placement of South-West officials in key departments.

However, COCSOAC said it had not independently verified the reported changes or the alleged motives behind them, insisting that claims of political interference or ethnic favouritism should not be treated as established facts.

The coalition maintained that staff redeployment was a recognised administrative practice that could serve legitimate purposes, including operational efficiency, professional development and improved management.

“Assuming without conceding that the redeployments occurred as reported, staff reassignment is a recognised administrative practice that may serve legitimate purposes, including operational efficiency, professional development and improved management,” the statement said.

It added that the geographical origin or family associations of an officer did not, by themselves, establish bias or an intention to manipulate elections.

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According to the organisations, the appropriate basis for assessing such decisions should be whether they complied with applicable rules, received proper authorisation and were informed by legitimate administrative considerations.

“The relevant questions are whether the decisions complied with applicable rules, were properly authorised and were based on legitimate administrative considerations,” the coalition stated.

COCSOAC urged INEC to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported redeployments where appropriate, while calling on the media and civil society organisations to avoid premature conclusions.

The coalition stressed that its position was not intended to shield the electoral body from scrutiny, but to ensure that allegations were verified and that affected institutions were given a fair opportunity to respond.

“Our position is not that INEC should be exempt from scrutiny, but that allegations must be verified and institutions given a fair opportunity to respond,” the statement said.

The organisations added that public confidence in electoral institutions was best protected through responsible scrutiny, transparency, accountability and respect for due process, particularly as Nigeria prepares for another general election.

Beyond the redeployment controversy, the coalition congratulated INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran Anthony, on her turbaning and appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider her for reappointment upon the expiration of her tenure, subject to applicable law and the relevant appointment procedures.

The coalition said continuity in the Commission’s administration could help preserve institutional knowledge, strengthen coordination and support preparations for peaceful, credible and well-organised elections.

“Where an experienced incumbent has demonstrated the requisite commitment and competence, continuity may help preserve institutional knowledge, strengthen coordination and support preparations for peaceful, credible and well-organised elections,” the statement added.

It emphasised, however, that any consideration of reappointment must respect the law, INEC’s independence and the integrity of the electoral process.

The coalition urged all stakeholders to approach issues concerning INEC with fairness and a commitment to verified facts, maintaining that accountability and institutional stability should remain central to efforts to safeguard credible elections in 2027.