New INEC Chairman: Should it Be About Zoning or Merit?
- Nigeria’s political class debated zoning versus merit as the tenure of INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu approached its 2025 end
- Civil society leaders and experts stressed merit, independence, and credibility over regional balancing in appointing Yakubu’s successor
- Politicians and activists warned that a partisan or poorly chosen INEC head could undermine confidence and fuel unrest ahead of the 2027 polls
FCT, Abuja - As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election, one very important decision hangs precariously on the political horizon: who would replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)?
With the record-breaking reign of Yakubu, the longest in the electoral history of Nigeria, coming to an end in late 2025, focus has shifted to whether his successor is to be selected by zoning or on merit.
Source: Twitter
INEC Chairman's office defined
The chairman of INEC is Nigeria's most delicate democratic position. In coordinating the electoral operations and acting as the national returning officer for the presidential election, the office holder exercises technical power and symbolic significance.
Speaking about this position, a top Nigerian columnist, Simon Kolawole, described the post as “one of the hottest seats in Nigeria,” noting that winners often hail the commission’s fairness while losers demonise its leadership.
Although the constitution does not empower the chairman with any responsibility to change vote tallies, organizational and logistical considerations render the role indispensable. With more than 176,000 polling centers across the country, the appointee will be required to show competence, credibility, and stamina.
INEC chiarmanship: A question of balance
The INEC appointments' history indicates a huge imbalance in regional representation. The chairman of the commission has, since 1999, been occupied by persons from the South-South, South-East, and North regions, e.g., Dr Abel Guobadia (Edo), Prof Maurice Iwu (Imo), Prof Attahiru Jega (Kebbi), and Prof Yakubu (Bauchi). The South-West and North-Central have never had an INEC chairman.
This omission fuels speculation that President Tinubu may look to one of these zones, Punch reported.
As Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to Buhari, observed, “only two of 12 INEC chairs have been Northern and none from the South-West,” sparking concerns of “marginalisation” if this imbalance is not addressed.
INEC chiarmanship: Should it be merit or zoning?
Civil society groups and electoral experts argue that merit should outweigh zoning.
Dr Daniel Omofoman of the African Electoral Integrity Initiative urged the government to:
“Prioritise meritocracy, accountability and transparency in appointing [the] next INEC chairman,”
However, advocacy group SERAP insisted the nominee must be “independent, impartial and neutral.”
Veteran activist Dr Usman Bugaje was even more blunt, dismissing zoning as a “childish idea” that has held Nigeria back for decades.
Speaking, he warned that any arrangement where the President effectively chooses a partisan INEC boss risks making the election “a sham.”
Similarly, Pentecostal leader Emmah Isong asked, “Zoning is not constitutional, so why is it a topic?” stressing that Nigerians should focus instead on competence.
Political pressures on next INEC chairman battle
Still, politics cannot be divorced from the process. Party leaders from the APC, PDP, and ADC have all called for fairness and neutrality in the appointment, but they also know that regional politics matter.
LP spokesman Umar Ibrahim cautioned that “the appointee must inspire confidence and demonstrate neutrality” or risk casting doubt on the 2027 elections, Vanguard reported.
Beyond rhetoric, concerns have also emerged about potential partisanship. NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima warned that picking a “notorious” retired judge as rumoured, could spark “civil unrest.”
Contenders for INEC chairman position
Names of potential successors are already circulating in the media. They include Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman from Nasarawa (North-Central), former INEC commissioner Prof Lai Olurode from Osun (South-West), ex-INEC procurement director Kenneth Ukeagu from Abia (South-East), and INEC national commissioner Sam Olumekun from Ondo (South-West). Interestingly, several of these names come from the zones that have never produced an INEC chair – fuelling speculation that regional balancing may be inevitable.
Speaking with Legit.ng on Sunday, September 28, Hamma Hayatu, a political analyst, said:
"The new INEC chairman may be Justice Abdullahi Liman from Nasarawa state Retired before his time probably for the INEC Job, a close ally of Wike and Ganduje, blocked SLS after reappointment by Abba as Emir of Kano, Buba Galadima said he will cause civil war as INEC chairman."
Road ahead to choosing the next INEC chairman
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At its heart, the debate over the next INEC chairman reflects Nigeria’s struggle to balance competence with inclusivity. Experts argue that whoever emerges must not only possess integrity and administrative skill but also command public trust across party and regional lines.
As Professor Kolawole cautions, “every Nigerian should be interested in who becomes the next chairman of INEC”, because the credibility of future elections may rest on that choice.
In the months ahead, Nigerians will watch closely to see if merit or zoning shapes the appointment. Either way, the decision will test the country’s commitment to democratic consolidation and determine the tone of the 2027 polls.
Controversies on the next INEC chairman
Legit.ng earlier reported that former President Muhammadu Buhari's ex-aide, Bashir Ahmad, has advocated for a northerner to retain the seat of INEC chairman for the third consecutive time.
The former presidential aide argued that only two northerners have held the positions since the establishment of the electoral body in 1964 On the contrary, Nigeria has had 10 southerners to man the affairs of the electoral umpire, but their disposition has been contested by some Nigerians.
Source: Legit.ng
