Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) recently addressed concerns over the Nomination of Political Members as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) by President Bola Tinubu.
Falana pointed up the Unconstitutionality of appointing Individuals with strong Political affiliations to such Critical roles, Stating that four out of the ten Nominees were Constitutionally disabled.
Citing the Constitutional provisions outlined in Section 154(1) and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule, Falana underlined that RECs must be Individuals of Unquestionable Integrity and Non-partisan backgrounds.
Any form of Loyalty to registered Political Parties, he asserted, should disqualify Candidates from these Positions to ensure the Credibility of Electoral Processes.
He further highlighted that four of the Nominees were known members and close associates of the All Progressive Congress (APC), while another had recently held a prominent position as a Special Adviser to a former Governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Expressing the need for transparent Elections in 2027, Falana said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must not be Constituted by Individuals with strong Political biases or Affiliations.
He vowed to challenge the Appointment of these Nominees in the Federal High Court should the Senate choose to confirm them in defiance of the existing Constitutional Provisions.
