Sack of suspended INEC RECs reinforces need for electoral accountability, says PAACA

The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA), a civil society organisation (CSO), has commended the sack of the suspended resident electoral commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states.

On February 5, the senate granted the request of President Bola Tinubu to sack the suspended RECs of Abia, Adamawa, and Sokoto states over alleged misconduct.

The suspended RECs are Ike Uzochukwu (Abia), Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa), and Nura Ali (Sokoto).

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Ezenwa Nwagwu, its executive director, PAACA said the action “reinforces the need for accountability within Nigeria’s electoral system”.

The CSO said the suspension of the RECs for over a year highlights the complex process required for their removal.

“During this period, these individuals continued to receive full salaries, emphasising the need for oversight institutions to act decisively in the public interest,” the statement reads.

“As we move forward, it is crucial that the replacements for the dismissed RECs are individuals who are impartial and free from partisan interests.

“The credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process depends on having neutral and competent officials at the helm of election management.

“We call on the senate to exercise due diligence in the confirmation process, ensuring that only individuals of unquestionable integrity are entrusted with these critical positions.

“Ultimately, the effectiveness of our electoral process depends on the integrity and accountability of our institutions. We urge all oversight institutions, including the National Assembly and the judiciary, to perform their duties with accountability, conscious of posterity and the fear of God.”

PAACA also commended INEC for its successful prosecution of Ignatius Uduk, who was recently sentenced to three years in prison by a high court in Akwa Ibom state for electoral fraud during the 2019 general election.

The centre said the conviction demonstrates INEC’s commitment to combating electoral malfeasance and ensuring accountability among its personnel.