Abuja, Nigeria – Fisayo Soyombo, a well-known Nigerian journalist and the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, has raised questions regarding President Bola Tinubu’s recent announcement of ten new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Soyombo has expressed concern that political positioning within INEC has commenced, with a particular focus on the appointment of Etekamba Umoren, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a REC.
Soyombo’s reservations are rooted in the belief that Umoren’s affiliation with the APC and his close ties to Senate President Godswill Akpabio raise questions about his neutrality and ability to oversee elections impartially. Umoren has previously faced allegations related to his involvement in withdrawing N22 billion from Akwa Ibom State government’s account and diverting it for personal use and unjustifiable expenditures while working with Akpabio.
The journalist questions the appointment of Umoren as INEC’s REC in Akwa Ibom for an initial five-year term, particularly in a state where he held significant government positions. Umoren’s previous roles included serving as Permanent Secretary in the Government House, Chief of Staff to the governor, and later as Secretary to the State Government. Additionally, his involvement in helping the APC secure votes in the state adds to concerns about potential bias.
Soyombo points out the Senate’s role in confirming or rejecting Umoren’s appointment, noting that the Senate is chaired by Umoren’s mentor and principal, Godswill Akpabio. This connection raises further questions about the transparency of the appointment process and the potential for political influence.
Soyombo’s concerns are not limited to this appointment alone. He suggests that the early positioning of individuals with political affiliations within INEC may have implications for the 2027 elections, potentially leading to backdoor manipulation of voter choices.
The appointment of Umoren as an REC has ignited a broader discussion about the importance of maintaining the independence and impartiality of electoral commissions in ensuring free and fair elections. The coming weeks and months are likely to see continued scrutiny of such appointments and their potential impact on Nigeria’s electoral processes.
