SDP Urges True Independence For INEC

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Malam Shehu Gabam, has advocated for genuine independence for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance the credibility of elections in Nigeria…CONTINUE READING

Gabam expressed this viewpoint during discussions with journalists on Sunday in Abuja. He urged the executive, judiciary, and legislature to operate within the confines of the law to strengthen the electoral processes in the country.

While acknowledging INEC’s efforts in the 2023 general election and off-cycle elections, particularly in logistics delivery, Gabam pointed out that the commission’s performance is still influenced significantly by the executive.

In his assessment, Gabam stated, “Let me tell you the honest truth. INEC is not independent. A lot of people do not understand it when I raise these issues. There is nothing INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, can do. He is completely handicapped in conducting elections.”

He highlighted that, by law, the executive, led by the President, holds the responsibility for appointing the INEC chairman, national commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).