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Countdown to 2027: Tinubu to Pick New INEC Chair This Week
ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to name a new chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) this week, a move seen as crucial ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The appointment comes as Nigeria prepares for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched elections in recent history. Analysts say the choice of INEC chair will shape public confidence in the electoral process and influence the political landscape in the coming years.
A source close to the presidency told reporters that Tinubu has been reviewing a shortlist of candidates for weeks. “The president is determined to appoint someone with integrity, experience, and a proven track record in election management,” the source said. “We should expect an announcement before the end of the week.”
The INEC chair plays a central role in organizing elections, supervising voter registration, and ensuring that ballots are conducted fairly. The last chair, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, concluded his term earlier this year, leaving the position vacant during a critical period of political preparation.
Political observers say that the new appointment will be closely scrutinized by opposition parties, civil society groups, and the media. “INEC is the backbone of Nigeria’s democracy,” said Dr. Chukwuma Okeke, a political analyst at the University of Lagos. “Whoever takes the chair will have to demonstrate independence and fairness to gain public trust.”
The timing of the appointment is also significant. With the 2027 elections just two years away, the new chair will need to oversee several key reforms, including the updating of voter registers, improving election technology, and strengthening transparency measures.
Civil society groups have urged the president to select a candidate who is not only competent but also perceived as neutral by all political stakeholders. “The credibility of the elections depends on the integrity of the electoral commission,” said Aisha Bello, director of the Nigeria Democracy Watch. “A transparent selection will help reduce tension and build confidence in the process.”
Political parties have already begun strategizing for the 2027 elections, and the announcement of a new INEC chair is expected to influence campaign dynamics. Analysts note that a chair who enforces rules strictly and fairly could level the playing field, while perceptions of bias may lead to disputes and unrest.
Past appointments have sparked debate and controversy, with critics sometimes accusing presidents of choosing loyalists rather than independent administrators. However, supporters argue that a strong working relationship between the presidency and INEC is essential for smooth election logistics and funding.
The president has not disclosed any names from the shortlist, but media speculation suggests that several senior civil servants and former election officials are being considered. Tinubu is also expected to consult key political and regional leaders before making the final decision.
As Nigerians await the official announcement, attention is focused on how quickly the new chair can establish authority and implement reforms. Experts warn that delays or controversy in the appointment could affect preparations for the 2027 polls.
“The next INEC chair has a huge responsibility,” said Dr. Okeke. “From ensuring credible voter registration to managing polling day logistics, their leadership will be central to the success of Nigeria’s democracy.”
The presidency has promised a timely announcement. With political tension rising and expectations high, Nigerians are watching closely to see who will lead the country’s electoral body into a critical period of democratic activity.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his push for an opposition coalition was initially rejected by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he reflected on events following the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election. According to him, he warned party leaders after the election that the PDP could struggle politically without forming alliances with other opposition forces. “To be honest, I was one of the major initiators of this coalition. After the PDP lost the last election, I told the party clearly that I did not see a future for the PDP without a coalition,” he said. Atiku said his advice was rejected at the time, despite his conviction that Nigeria’s political history had shown the importance of alliances. “They disagreed with me then. I have studied Nigeria’s political transition over the years and saw how previous alliances worked, so it was not difficult for me to foresee this,” he stated. The former vice president added that his support for coalition politics was also influenced by his desire to encourage the emergence of younger leaders he believes are vital to Nigeria’s future. “I saw some of these younger politicians as the future leaders of this country, and I felt it was my duty to point that out,” he said. However, Atiku claimed the resistance he encountered within the party was driven more by personal feelings than by disagreement over the substance of his proposal. “They disagreed with me simply because they did not want to see my face, not because of what I was suggesting,” he said. Atiku added that recent political developments have now vindicated his position on the need for a broad opposition alliance ahead of future elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will first pursue a consensus arrangement before considering a primary election for its 2027 presidential ticket.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made this known during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while discussing the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the next general election.
He said he is open to backing a consensus candidate if that becomes the party’s collective decision, stressing that such support should not be interpreted as stepping aside.
“It is not about stepping aside, but whether I am willing to support, and yes, I will,” Atiku said.
According to him, the ADC’s first priority is to build internal unity and reach an agreement among stakeholders before considering a competitive primary process.
“Our first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t happen, then of course we will explore other options. And yes, I will support whoever eventually emerges,” he stated.
Atiku also expressed confidence in the political experience within the party, saying he believes a consensus is achievable and may make a full-scale primary contest unnecessary.
“That remains our preferred path. We will go for primaries if consensus fails, but I honestly do not expect it to get to that stage because we are dealing with mature and experienced politicians,” he added.
His comments come amid growing political consultations and coalition talks as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has significantly strengthened his chances of winning the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday. Speaking on what makes his latest presidential bid different from previous attempts, Atiku said the ADC coalition brings together key political figures from across major parties, including the APC, PDP and Labour Party. He described the alliance as a broader and more strategic political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the coalition has created a stronger platform that improves his prospects. “Now, we have a broader coalition — a combination of APC, PDP and LP — which gives me a better chance of becoming president in 2027,” he said. Atiku also noted that the coalition reflects both experience and generational inclusion, which he said shows a clear succession plan. “You see people of my generation, and you see younger people coming behind us, so you can clearly see a succession pattern,” he added. Meanwhile, Atiku described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a decent but inexperienced leader. According to him, Jonathan’s lack of experience contributed to shortcomings in governance and played a role in his defeat in the 2015 presidential election. “I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but he was also inexperienced, and that contributed to his failure in managing the affairs of the country,” Atiku said. He made the remarks while stressing the need for experienced and capable leadership in Nigeria.
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