Allegations of Bias Surface Against INEC
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has leveled accusations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), suggesting that the agency is favoring the political agenda of President Bola Tinubu through selective adherence to court rulings concerning opposition parties. These claims highlight growing concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral processes.
INEC’s Inconsistent Actions Draw Criticism
Advocacy groups have scrutinized INEC’s handling of the leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The organization has notably failed to recognize Alhaji Tanim Turaki as the party’s interim national chairman, despite judicial decisions and approvals from the PDP board supporting his position.
Concerns Over Double Standards in Compliance
In a statement issued on Friday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, raised alarm over what he described as a troubling pattern of double standards in the commission’s implementation of court judgments. The organization contrasted this situation with the swift action INEC took to affirm Professor Umar Abubakar Gombe as the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following a favorable judicial ruling.
Questions About Neutrality and the Rule of Law
HURIWA’s observations have sparked serious questions about INEC’s commitment to neutrality and adherence to the rule of law. The group emphasized the puzzling inconsistency in how judicial orders are enforced, noting that if INEC is quick to act on SDP matters, it should equally comply with court orders affecting the PDP.
Judicial Decisions Must Be Respected
The association alluded to a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, which invalidated a PDP faction’s conference organized by allies of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. HURIWA maintained that INEC and other relevant institutions are obligated to update their records and operational procedures in accordance with the legal determinations established by the courts.
Selective Compliance Could Widen Political Divides
HURIWA warned that the perceived selective interpretation of judicial decisions risks exacerbating political fractures and may indicate that state institutions are being used to undermine the opposition as the country gears up for the 2027 general elections. They urged INEC to clarify allegations made by SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo, who suggested that certain state entities have been manipulated to favor President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Calls for Transparency in Electoral Processes
The rights group stressed the importance of transparency within INEC, insisting that the commission must clearly demonstrate its independence from political influence. They called for immediate clarification regarding the different approaches taken in the SDP and PDP leadership disputes. HURIWA argues that any ambiguity will only serve to increase public distrust and suspicion toward electoral processes.
Importance of Impartiality for Democratic Integrity
HURIWA underscored that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic framework largely depends on the impartial actions of electoral institutions. The organization asserts that democracy thrives only when court rulings are consistently enforced, irrespective of political affiliations. They have urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, and his leadership team to offer a detailed explanation of the inconsistencies in handling PDP and SDP issues, as public confidence in the electoral system is crucial ahead of the upcoming elections.
