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.
