Why Atiku wants a public vote for the INEC chief
Atiku Abubakar has taken a bold step by asking the electorate to pick the next INEC chairman election winner themselves. His argument is simple: when the people choose the head of the electoral commission, confidence in the vote‑counting process rises. The current chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, will finish a historic ten‑year run in November 2025 after being first appointed by former President Buhari in 2015 and re‑appointed in 2020. Atiku believes the moment is ripe for a fresh start, especially as the 2027 general elections loom.
Under the 1999 Constitution, the president nominates the INEC chair and Senate confirms the choice. Critics say that system leaves the post vulnerable to political bargaining. By proposing a direct election, Atiku aims to remove that back‑room deal‑making and put the decision in the hands of ordinary voters, a move he says will curb manipulation and boost credibility.
Political backdrop and the road to 2027
Atiku is not just talking reform; he is positioning himself as the main opposition contender for the 2027 presidency. He is running under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) umbrella, which now includes allies such as Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi. The coalition is trying to rally fragmented opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Throughout his campaign, Atiku has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration, labeling it a group of “oligarchs who promote poverty and insecurity.” He repeats that Nigeria is stuck in an “intensive care unit” and needs a rescue mission, which he promises to lead if elected.
Political analysts say the choice of the next INEC chair will be a decisive factor for the 2027 election’s legitimacy. They warn that a figure lacking integrity or independence could undermine the entire democratic process. Atiku’s demand for a public vote therefore strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s electoral credibility, promising a shift from elite appointments to citizen-driven selection.
Whether the proposal will gain legislative traction remains uncertain. The Senate would need to amend the constitutional procedure, and the president would still hold the formal power to nominate. Still, Atiku’s push has already sparked debate across civil society, with many groups echoing his call for greater transparency and public participation in the electoral system.
Ayan Kumar
September 26, 2025 AT 02:51Atiku's call for a direct election of the INEC chair is nothing short of a theatrical showdown between democratic ideals and entrenched power structures. He frames the proposal as a citizen-empowered revolution, promising to graft legitimacy onto a system long marred by back‑room deals. The drama intensifies when you consider that the current chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has survived a decade of political turbulence with the president’s blessing. Yet Atiku insists that the people, not the Senate, should be the ultimate arbiters of who safeguards our votes. This narrative, while compelling, rests on the assumption that mass voting on a bureaucratic post will automatically strip away partisan bias. Critics argue that popular elections could merely replace one set of patronage networks with another, as candidates vie for campaign cash and influence. Moreover, the constitutional amendment required is a Herculean task, demanding Senate consensus and presidential acquiescence. In a nation where legislative inertia often stalls reforms, the feasibility of this vision appears doubtful. Still, the symbolism cannot be dismissed; a public choice would undeniably amplify scrutiny over the chair’s performance. The proposal also raises logistical questions about ballot design, voter education, and the cost of a nationwide campaign. If the electorate is to decide, they must be equipped with clear criteria to evaluate competence, impartiality, and integrity. Atiku’s coalition, comprising the ADC, Labour, and regional allies, hopes this bold move will galvanize opposition support ahead of the 2027 polls. The opposition’s narrative portrays the current administration as a cabal of oligarchs, and the INEC reform is cast as a rescue mission from an “intensive care unit.” Whether this rhetoric translates into practical policy remains the central debate of the season. Ultimately, the success of Atiku’s strategy will hinge on his ability to convert theatrical flair into concrete legislative momentum.
Nitin Jadvav
October 3, 2025 AT 17:00Oh sure, because sending a whole nation to the polls to pick a bureaucrat is exactly what we need when we can’t even agree on the snack aisle at the grocery store. The drama will be real, folks-just wait for the campaign ads promising "the most exciting INEC chair ever!"
Adrish Sinha
October 11, 2025 AT 07:08It's cool to see fresh ideas in politics, especially when they involve more people. Direct elections could give citizens a bigger voice in how elections are run.