The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) has applauded the sack of three suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, PAACA’s executive director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, described the development as a significant step toward ensuring accountability and restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Ezenwa said President Bola Tinubu’s formal request to the Senate for the termination of the appointments of Barrister Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa REC), Dr Nura Ali (Sokoto REC), and Mr Ike Uzochukwu (Abia REC) aligns with constitutional oversight provisions and reinforces the need for ethical conduct among election officials.
PAACA commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and President Bola Tinubu for their decisive action in terminating the appointments of the three RECS.
Ezenwa noted that INEC had taken initial disciplinary action by suspending the three RECs in March 2023 over their alleged misconduct during the general elections.
Yunusa-Ari was suspended for unlawfully usurping the Returning Officer’s role in the Adamawa governorship election and making an unauthorised declaration of results while Dr Ali and Mr Uzochukwu were suspended for dereliction of duty, with Dr Ali also facing prosecution over bribery allegations.
Ezenwa, however, explained the complexity involved in the discipline of personnel of the electoral commission, which led to the long delay of their sack after their suspension over a year ago.
He said, “The decision of President Bola Tinubu to formally request the Senate to terminate the appointments of the three RECS points to the fact that while some Nigerians argue about INEC’s regulatory powers, it is imperative to recognize the constitutional framework within which the commission operates.
“It is essential to remember that the suspension of these officials for over a year highlights the complex process required for their removal, which necessitates the combined action of the President and the National Assembly. During this period, these individuals continued to receive full salaries, emphasizing the need for oversight institutions to act decisively in the public interest.”
The advocacy group also lauded INEC for its commitment to electoral integrity, citing the recent conviction of Professor Ignatius Uduk in Akwa Ibom State. Uduk, a university lecturer, was sentenced to three years in prison for electoral fraud in the 2019 general election, marking a rare but significant victory in the fight against election malpractice.
Ezenwa Nwagwu, PAACA’s Executive Director, emphasized that INEC’s internal disciplinary measures set a precedent that should be emulated by political parties and security agencies.
He urged these institutions to establish robust accountability frameworks to ensure that personnel who compromise election integrity are held responsible.
He said, “We also call on political parties and security agencies to emulate INEC which has shown that it can hold its own personnel accountable for their actions. This is a significant step towards restoring public trust in the electoral process.
“Political parties and security agencies must take concrete steps to hold their personnel accountable for any actions that compromise the electoral process. This includes establishing robust mechanisms for investigating and disciplining errant personnel, which is essential for rebuilding public trust in the electoral system.”
PAACA also highlighted the need for transparency in appointing new RECs, urging the Senate to confirm only individuals with proven integrity and impartiality.
“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,” Ezenwa said.
