By CHARLES IWUOHA

A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has raised the alarm over the federal government's alleged plans to appoint a recently retired Court of Appeal judge as the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday, Galadima expressed deep concerns over the alleged nomination, describing the retired judge as “notorious.”

“Come November, there are rumours all over the place that this government is nominating a just-retired Court of Appeal judge who is known for notoriety to be the chairman of INEC,” he said.

“I wish it is not true. Because if that man becomes the chairman of INEC, be rest assured that this government is inviting a civil war in this country.”

Galadima did not mince words in his criticism of the current INEC leadership, claiming the commission has already been compromised to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He alleged that a former APC secretary, who had previously represented the party in court, was rewarded with the role of INEC chairman.

“The INEC chairman has already rigged the election for APC.

They brought somebody who was the secretary of the party that went to court for APC as acting national chairman, and he was rewarded with the chairmanship of INEC,” he said.

The NNPP stalwart warned that allowing individuals with questionable records to head critical national institutions like INEC, could spell disaster for Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.

“If this man is appointed INEC chairman, then forget about elections in Nigeria. Because there would be no elections in this country, and it will create chaos,” Galadima warned.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any move to install controversial figures in sensitive electoral positions.

“We must not allow people with known reputations for injustice or partisanship to be in charge of our elections. The credibility of our democracy depends on it,” he concluded.