Atiku calls for transparency in INEC operations ahead of 2027 polls

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide clarity on reported redeployments in key departments and on arrangements for the production and custody of sensitive materials for the 2027 general elections.

Reacting on Sunday through the Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said reports regarding changes in the Electoral Operations Department required clarification from the commission.

He said reports indicated that Director Isa Magaji Gum was moved from Electoral Operations to the Voter Registry Department, while Mrs Oluyemi Titilayo Adeyemi-Showunmi was appointed to head Electoral Operations, and Dr Lawrence Bayode was identified as head of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Atiku urged INEC to explain the decisions, publish the criteria applied and show that the appointments and redeployments followed due process.

He said concerns raised by the public about appointments in sensitive departments should be addressed with verifiable information to demonstrate impartiality.

Atiku also asked INEC to confirm or deny reports concerning the award of contracts for the printing of sensitive materials for the 2027 elections.

He said information available to him suggested that a significant portion of sensitive materials might have been allocated to a company whose identity had not been publicly disclosed and which is believed to be based in France, while the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPMC) might be handling printing for 15 to 17 states.

He urged INEC to publish the names of companies engaged, the materials and states assigned, the procurement method, security clearances, and safeguards for production, storage and delivery.

Atiku also sought clarification on whether Hitech or any company associated with Hitech had been awarded a contract to print sensitive materials, citing public discussion about major contracts involving the company.

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He called on INEC to disclose the details of contracts for sensitive materials, including value, scope and procurement method, and to provide an opportunity for scrutiny by political parties under appropriate safeguards.

He further urged INEC to make full use of domestic security-printing capacity and ensure accountability for ballot papers, result sheets and other sensitive documents through a transparent chain of custody.

Atiku said reports about the printing of higher-denomination banknotes also raised questions, and called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to disclose its current printing allocations.

He said INEC officials had a responsibility to ensure a credible process and that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would monitor preparations and share observations with domestic and international observers.