2027 Elections: APC, PDP, ADC Set Agenda for Incoming INEC Chairman

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Nigeria’s major political parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC)—have outlined clear expectations for the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They stressed credibility, neutrality and a firm commitment to democratic values as non-negotiable qualities.

Current INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ends in November, has served since 2015 and was reappointed in 2020, making him the longest-serving chairman in the commission’s history. In line with constitutional provisions, President Bola Tinubu is reported to have drawn up a shortlist of possible successors.

According to Section 154 (1) of the amended 1999 Constitution, the appointment of the INEC chairman and commissioners is made by the President and subject to Senate confirmation. Paragraph 14 of Part I of the Third Schedule further requires that candidates possess “unquestionable integrity” and be at least 50 years old.

Speaking with Newsmen, APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the ruling party expects the next INEC chairman to provide a fair ground for all contestants.

“As a party, our interest is winning in a free and fair atmosphere. We want a leader who will allow a level playing field and conduct elections by the book” Ibrahim said.

The PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stressed the need for integrity and impartiality in the appointment.

“The next INEC chairman must be impartial, independent, and a person whose character is unquestionable. Nigerians expect a competent leader who will ensure free, fair, and credible elections. The President and National Assembly must carry out a thorough review before any appointment” Ologunagba told Newsmen.

Similarly, the ADC expressed concern over what it described as INEC’s long-standing credibility crisis. National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned that failure to restore public trust could destabilise the country’s democracy.

“Over the years INEC has suffered a credibility crisis in the eyes of voters. The new chairman must restore confidence and ensure elections that inspire trust. Anything short of that could raise doubts about 2027 and lead to instability similar to what we saw during the Orange Revolution in Ukraine,” Abdullahi said.

He cautioned that the opposition would strongly resist any appointment perceived as partisan.

With Yakubu’s exit nearing, attention now shifts to President Tinubu’s choice for the nation’s top electoral position, a decision analysts say will shape the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.