Dr. Usman Bugaje Calls for End to Presidential Control Over INEC Appointments, Says It Breeds Conflict of Interest
Political activist and civil society leader, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has called for a total overhaul of the process used to appoint the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, arguing that allowing a sitting president to make such appointments creates a serious conflict of interest.
Speaking in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Bugaje described the current arrangement as “unjust and undemocratic,” stressing that it undermines the credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral system.
According to him, it is unreasonable for any president who is also a political candidate or key stakeholder in an election to handpick the person responsible for conducting that same election.
“Why should the president, who is a party with vested interest in the election, be the one to appoint the INEC chairman? This is a clear conflict of interest,” Bugaje questioned.
He warned that unless this issue is addressed, Nigeria’s elections will continue to suffer from legitimacy and trust deficits.
Bugaje further recalled that the Uwais Electoral Reform Committee had previously recommended a better model, suggesting that INEC appointments be handled by a broad-based, independent body representing all arms of government and sections of society — not the presidency.
He lamented that the recommendation was never implemented due to resistance from political elites who wished to maintain influence over electoral outcomes.
Bugaje emphasized that freeing INEC from political interference is essential to restoring public confidence in the nation’s democracy.
“We need to strengthen INEC by ensuring its leadership is not chosen by any sitting president who has a stake in the election. Only then can we achieve truly credible polls,” he stated.
Political activist and civil society leader, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has called for a total overhaul of the process used to appoint the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, arguing that allowing a sitting president to make such appointments creates a serious conflict of interest.
Speaking in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Bugaje described the current arrangement as “unjust and undemocratic,” stressing that it undermines the credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral system.
According to him, it is unreasonable for any president who is also a political candidate or key stakeholder in an election to handpick the person responsible for conducting that same election.
“Why should the president, who is a party with vested interest in the election, be the one to appoint the INEC chairman? This is a clear conflict of interest,” Bugaje questioned.
He warned that unless this issue is addressed, Nigeria’s elections will continue to suffer from legitimacy and trust deficits.
Bugaje further recalled that the Uwais Electoral Reform Committee had previously recommended a better model, suggesting that INEC appointments be handled by a broad-based, independent body representing all arms of government and sections of society — not the presidency.
He lamented that the recommendation was never implemented due to resistance from political elites who wished to maintain influence over electoral outcomes.
Bugaje emphasized that freeing INEC from political interference is essential to restoring public confidence in the nation’s democracy.
“We need to strengthen INEC by ensuring its leadership is not chosen by any sitting president who has a stake in the election. Only then can we achieve truly credible polls,” he stated.
Dr. Usman Bugaje Calls for End to Presidential Control Over INEC Appointments, Says It Breeds Conflict of Interest
Political activist and civil society leader, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has called for a total overhaul of the process used to appoint the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, arguing that allowing a sitting president to make such appointments creates a serious conflict of interest.
Speaking in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Bugaje described the current arrangement as “unjust and undemocratic,” stressing that it undermines the credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral system.
According to him, it is unreasonable for any president who is also a political candidate or key stakeholder in an election to handpick the person responsible for conducting that same election.
“Why should the president, who is a party with vested interest in the election, be the one to appoint the INEC chairman? This is a clear conflict of interest,” Bugaje questioned.
He warned that unless this issue is addressed, Nigeria’s elections will continue to suffer from legitimacy and trust deficits.
Bugaje further recalled that the Uwais Electoral Reform Committee had previously recommended a better model, suggesting that INEC appointments be handled by a broad-based, independent body representing all arms of government and sections of society — not the presidency.
He lamented that the recommendation was never implemented due to resistance from political elites who wished to maintain influence over electoral outcomes.
Bugaje emphasized that freeing INEC from political interference is essential to restoring public confidence in the nation’s democracy.
“We need to strengthen INEC by ensuring its leadership is not chosen by any sitting president who has a stake in the election. Only then can we achieve truly credible polls,” he stated.
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