The Social-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to disclose the selection and appointment process for the successor to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Mr Yakubu’s tenure is expected to end in November.

The outgoing INEC chairman has completed his two-term in office.

In a letter dated September 27, signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP asked Mr Tinubu to also disclose the number and names of candidates jostling for the INEC chairmanship position.

The group further queried whether the Council of State had been consulted or would be consulted in making the appointment of a new INEC chairman as constitutionally required.

“The selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement cannot and should not be ‘a closed shop’. A transparent and accountable process would serve legitimate public interests.

“There is a strong correlation between transparency in the selection and appointment process of INEC chairman and the ability of the commission to perform its constitutional and statutory duties in an independent and impartial manner.

“INEC plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic process. Openness and transparency in the selection and appointment process would improve public trust in the commission’s independence and impartiality and citizens’ participation in the electoral process,” SERAP’s letter stated.

It added, “Transparency in the process would also ensure that competent and impartial people are appointed and reduce the risks of conflict of interest. It would allow Nigerians to scrutinise, monitor, and engage with the process.

“In electoral management, perception matters greatly. It is more important for the selection and appointment process to be objective and fair and to be seen to be objective and fair.”

Mr Tinubu is expected to appoint his successor, subject to confirmation by the Senate.