As the 2027 general election approaches, the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and African Democratic Congress have outlined key expectations for the incoming chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, emphasising credibility, neutrality, and commitment to democratic principles.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the APC urged the incoming INEC chairman to guarantee a fair and equal opportunity for all political parties, while the PDP emphasised the need for the commission’s head to remain neutral and autonomous.

On its part, the ADC warned that failure to conduct credible elections under the new leadership could pose a threat to the country’s democratic stability.

The current INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, is set to complete his tenure by November.

Appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, Yakubu holds the distinction of being the longest-serving chairman in the history of Nigeria’s electoral commission.

According to Section 154 (1) of the amended 1999 Constitution, “the appointment of the chairman and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission shall be made by the President and shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.”

Paragraph 14 of Part I of the Third Schedule also states that the individual appointed must possess “unquestionable integrity” and must be at least 50 years old.

In line with constitutional provisions, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly drawn up a shortlist of candidates to succeed Yakubu.

Speaking on the expectations of the ruling APC, the Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, stated that while the party aims to win all elections, it insists on a level playing field for all participants.

Ibrahim, in an interview with The PUNCH, stated, “Well, as a party, our interest is winning and winning elections in a free and fair atmosphere.

“Our interest is how to take control of power in a way that will provide or give democratic dividends to the people. Our interest is in how to stand for elections and be allowed to play without being muzzled or ruled out.

“So, we look forward to a leader of the Independent National Electoral Commission that will allow a level playing field, that will allow elections to be conducted freely and fairly.

“So, our interest is a leader who will come and play by the book.”

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stressed that the incoming INEC chairman must be a person of integrity.

In an interview with our correspondent, Ologunagba also called on the President and relevant stakeholders to thoroughly assess the candidate’s character and ensure only a competent individual was appointed.

He stated, “The next INEC chairman must be someone who has integrity, must be somebody who will not have questionable character, must be impartial, someone who will be independent and run the commission that way, as required by the constitution and the law. So that’s our expectation.

“We want a man who has that integrity, a record of being temperate, and who, of course, must demonstrate again by his actions as a supporter of democracy, and be willing to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.

“And then I will explain that when the President appoints or nominations are going to be made, he should do his job, do the right thing, to ensure that there is critical analysis and thorough review of the individual, to ensure the person’s character is not questionable and qualified to hold such a position in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.

“And that is the minimum that Nigerians are expecting from the President and, of course, from the National Assembly and others.”

The coalition party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdulahi, expressed concern over INEC’s long-standing crisis of credibility.

In an interview with our correspondent, Abdullahi stated that the incoming INEC chairman must work to restore trust by ensuring credible elections in 2027.

He stated, “The most important thing is that I think the INEC over the years has suffered a crisis of credibility in the eyes of the Nigerian voters.

“The new INEC chairman has to ensure that the commission stays at its credibility level. You know, to ensure that the election system inspires the confidence of everyone, and it’s the only way to guarantee stability in the country.

“They must ensure the appointment of someone who inspires confidence and demonstrates neutrality. Failing to do so could create doubt in the minds of citizens about the credibility of the 2027 elections and whether they will be free and fair.

“And the net consequence of that is that, if you recall, they may end up having the Orange Revolution in their hands. You remember the Orange Revolution in Ukraine?

“So, I think 2027 is going to be significant for all. As a party, we are hoping that the appointment will provide the opportunity for someone who understands the historical significance of the job.”

He said the opposition party would react accordingly if the new appointee came to defend the ruling party.

“If it’s someone who thinks he’s coming here to defend the ruling party, then the opposition party will react accordingly.

“You know, I can’t tell you what we’ll do now, but I can tell you that if they appoint someone that we don’t have confidence in, then that neutrality is not apparent for everyone to see. And then they end up creating doubt,” he said. (The PUNCH)