The Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room has expressed deep concern over the process leading to the confirmation of the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Situation Room, which comprises over 70 election observer groups, described the confirmation as rushed, opaque, and lacking in public scrutiny.

In a statement on Friday by its Convener, Yunusa Ya’u, and Co-Conveners, Mimidoo Achakpa and Franklin Oloniju, the group said the Senate failed to conduct a transparent and consultative screening that would ensure the credibility and independence of the nation’s electoral umpire.

“The appointment of an INEC Chairman is not a routine administrative action but a decision that profoundly affects the credibility, independence, and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. “Unfortunately, the recent confirmation process once again reflects a troubling pattern of opacity, limited consultation, and inadequate scrutiny in appointments to key democratic institutions,” the group said.

According to the coalition, the screening exercise that took place in the Senate was “perfunctory and rushed,” with insufficient time for legislators, civil society, and the public to properly evaluate the nominee’s competence, integrity, and impartiality.

“The Senate’s screening, which should have provided a meaningful platform to assess the nominee’s competence, integrity, and impartiality, was perfunctory and rushed. There was insufficient time for citizens, stakeholders, and even Senators themselves to obtain independent information about the nominee or engage constructively with the process, ” the group said.

The Situation Room warned that such actions could deepen public distrust in electoral institutions and jeopardise confidence in future elections. It reiterated its long-standing position that the appointment and confirmation of the INEC Chairman should be open, merit-based, and insulated from political influence.

“By failing to ensure transparency and robust public participation, the Senate has fallen short of its constitutional duty of oversight. “This hasty confirmation deepens public distrust and reinforces concerns that political expediency continues to override national interest in the selection of leadership for the country’s foremost electoral body,” the statement read.

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new INEC Chairman following the expiration of the tenure of the former head of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

During the session, some senators alleged that several professors who had previously served as returning officers failed integrity checks and asked whether Amupitan would discontinue their engagement in future elections.

In response, Amupitan said he could not make an immediate decision on the issue but assured that he would review it after assuming office.

The controversy surrounding the latest confirmation adds to a recurring debate about the need to depoliticise Nigeria’s electoral management body ahead of future general elections. (The PUNCH)