Sokoto: ADC’s Dan’iya asks Tinubu to reconsider INEC nominee

The Sokoto State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the nomination of Professor Mustapha Aliu as an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner, citing concerns over his alleged political affiliations and family ties to Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

Dan’iya also called on the Senate to subject the nominee to rigorous screening to establish his eligibility and capacity to discharge his duties without political interference.

The ADC candidate made the demand in a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, following the announcement of Aliu’s nomination on 16 October 2026 to represent the North-West geopolitical zone.

He expressed concern that the reported relationship between the nominee and the Sokoto Governor, alongside allegations of political association with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), could raise questions about public confidence in the electoral body.

Dan’iya, however, acknowledged that family relationships alone did not establish wrongdoing or constitute grounds for automatic disqualification.

He maintained that the circumstances surrounding the nomination made it necessary for the Senate to verify the nominee’s political affiliations and independence before confirmation.

“The independence of INEC is too important to be treated as a routine political appointment. Nigerians must have confidence that those entrusted with managing our elections will act without fear, favour or political pressure,” he said.

The opposition candidate argued that the credibility of the electoral commission depended not only on its conduct during elections but also on the transparency and integrity of the process through which its officials were appointed.

Citing Section 156(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Dan’iya said the Senate should establish whether Aliu satisfied the constitutional requirement that an INEC member must not belong to a political party.

He urged senators representing Sokoto State and the North-West, alongside other elected representatives from the region, to demand clear answers concerning the nominee’s eligibility and political affiliations.

According to him, the screening process should be guided strictly by constitutional provisions and professional standards rather than political considerations.

“If credible evidence establishes that the nominee is constitutionally disqualified, the Senate should refuse confirmation and the President should nominate a qualified alternative,” he said.

Dan’iya added that no nominee should be exempted from scrutiny because of political connections or relationships with public officeholders.

In Sokoto State, Governor Ahmed Aliyu is a leading figure in the APC, while Dan’iya is seeking to challenge the ruling party under the ADC platform.

The alleged maternal relationship between Aliu and the Governor has therefore become a point of concern for the opposition candidate, who argues that appointments to the electoral commission must inspire confidence across political divides.

Dan’iya stressed that his objection was not intended to establish wrongdoing against the nominee but to ensure that all questions concerning his suitability were resolved transparently.

“Our concern is not personal; it is about protecting the credibility of the institution responsible for safeguarding the people’s democratic choice,” he said.

He called on Tinubu and the National Assembly to prioritise public confidence in the electoral process, warning that appointments perceived as politically influenced could undermine trust in the Commission.