CIVIL SOCIETY SITUATION ROOM CONDEMNS SENATE’S LACK OF TRANSPARENCY IN INEC CHAIRMAN CONFIRMATION

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has expressed deep concern over the manner in which the Senate conducted the screening and confirmation of the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Yunusa Z. Ya’u, stated this in a statement.

The group stated that the appointment of an INEC Chairman is a decision that profoundly affects the credibility and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. It lamented that the recent confirmation process reflects a troubling pattern of opacity and inadequate scrutiny in appointments to key democratic institutions. The statement further criticised the Senate’s screening, describing it as perfunctory and rushed. It noted there was insufficient time for citizens and stakeholders to obtain independent information about the nominee.

Yunusa Ya’u stated that by failing to ensure transparency, the Senate has fallen short of its constitutional duty of oversight. He said this hasty confirmation deepens public distrust and reinforces concerns that political expediency continues to override national interest. The Situation Room reiterated that the process of appointing and confirming the INEC Chairman must be open, consultative, and merit-based.

Mimidoo Achakpa affirmed that civil society will continue to advocate for reforms that guarantee transparency and public input in the selection of electoral leadership. The group concluded that Nigerians deserve an electoral commission whose leadership inspires confidence, adding that the credibility of future elections depends on the integrity of the process that produces those who lead it.