By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

Election monitoring group Yiaga Africa has endorsed President Tinubu’s request to the Nigerian Senate to remove the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of Adamawa, Abia, and Sokoto states over alleged gross misconduct.

The RECs were suspended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in March 2023 for actions that compromised the commission’s neutrality and integrity.

Adamawa REC, Barrister Hudu Yunusa-Ari, unlawfully assumed the Returning Officer’s role during the state’s governorship election, announcing false results. Sokoto REC, Dr. Nura Ali, and Abia REC, Mr. Ike Uzochukwu, were suspended for dereliction of duty.

Dr. Ali is also facing prosecution by the Federal Government for alleged bribery and corruption linked to the 2023 elections.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Samson Itodo, and released to The Hope today, Yiaga Africa urged the Senate to swiftly approve Tinubu’s request to reinforce accountability and public trust in the electoral process.

“These cases underscore the need for appointing qualified and competent individuals to INEC positions. Future appointments must emphasize expertise and integrity to ensure INEC’s effectiveness,” the statement read.

Yiaga Africa also called on the President to uphold constitutional requirements of non-partisanship in future INEC appointments and urged the Senate to strengthen its confirmation process to ensure thorough vetting of nominees.