SERAP Urges Transparency in INEC Chairman Appointment Process

• SERAP has urged President Bola Tinubu to reveal the process behind appointing the next INEC chairman
• The organisation insists that transparency is essential to safeguard the commission’s independence and public trust
• With Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure ending in November, calls for an open and accountable selection process are intensifying

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently disclose the details surrounding the selection and appointment process for the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The appeal was made public via a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on 28 September 2025.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the current INEC chairman, is set to conclude his tenure in November 2025. SERAP emphasised that the process to appoint his successor must not be “a closed shop,” insisting that transparency and accountability are essential to uphold democratic values and public confidence.

Transparency in INEC chairman selection vital for electoral integrity

SERAP stated:

“We’ve urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently disclose details of the selection and appointment process for the successor to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as the chairman of @inecnigeria will end in November 2025.”

The organisation argued that openness in the appointment procedure would serve legitimate public interests and strengthen the credibility of the electoral body.

It noted:

“There is a strong correlation between transparency in the selection and appointment process of INEC chairman and the ability of the commission to perform its constitutional and statutory duties in an independent and impartial manner.”

Public trust hinges on transparent appointment process

Highlighting INEC’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic framework, SERAP stressed that public trust in the commission’s independence and impartiality is directly linked to how its leadership is chosen.

The group stated:

“@inecnigeria plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic process. Openness and transparency in the selection and appointment process would improve public trust in the commission’s independence and impartiality, and citizens’ participation in the electoral process.”

See the X post below:

What is SERAP?

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is a Nigerian non-governmental organisation committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and respect for socio-economic rights.

Established in 2004, SERAP uses legal advocacy, public campaigns, and strategic litigation to challenge corruption and human rights violations, particularly those affecting access to education, healthcare, and democratic participation.

The organisation frequently engages with national and international bodies to hold public officials accountable and push for systemic reforms.

DSS visited SERAP office

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Department of State Service (DSS) has confirmed that its officers visited the office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in Abuja on Monday, September 9.

Recall that the group made the allegation of an "unlawful occupation" of its offices and urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately direct the secret police to stop the alleged intimidation, harassment and attack on Nigerians' rights.

However, Daily Trust reported that the DSS responded on Tuesday, September 10, stating that the SERAP narrative was inaccurate and misleading. According to the SSS, two unarmed personnel were sent to SERAP's office in Abuja for a routine investigation, which was misinterpreted as an unlawful invasion.

Source: Legit.ng