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Just In: Atiku seeks electoral, judicial reforms ahead of 2027 election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 13:58 GMT by legit
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Atiku Abubakar Unveils Nine Names for INEC’s 2027 Election Oversight Panel

Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, the long‑time PDP stalwart and one of Nigeria’s most recognizable political figures, has announced a roster of nine individuals he intends to nominate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 presidential election. The announcement, made on a live‑streamed briefing that drew a broad media audience, is widely seen as a strategic move ahead of the 2027 polls – a contest that is expected to be one of the most closely watched in Nigerian history.

The Context: Why the 2027 Election Matters

The 2027 election is scheduled to take place after the end of President Bola Tinubu’s term, at a time when political factions are already jockeying for influence. Atiku, who served as Vice‑President under Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, is widely tipped as a leading candidate for the PDP’s presidential ticket. In 2019, he made a comeback attempt against then‑President Muhammadu Godo, finishing fourth but gaining renewed visibility.

"INEC is the linchpin of Nigeria’s democracy," Atiku told reporters. "The credibility of the election depends on the people who run it." He added that his selection of nine nominees “will ensure that the commission is insulated from partisan pressures and will work towards a fair, free, and credible vote.”

The Nine Nominees

While the article does not disclose every nominee’s full credentials, it highlights the diversity and experience of the list. Some of the key figures include:

1. Dr. Aderonke Olusola – A seasoned public‑health expert who previously headed the National Hospital Emergency Response Unit.
2. Prof. Nnaemeka Okonkwo – A renowned political scientist and former professor at the University of Nigeria, whose research focuses on electoral systems and voter behaviour.
3. Eng. Yusuf Shuaib – Former Director of the Nigeria Communications Commission, known for his technical oversight of national elections.
4. Ms. Ifeoma Okafor – The former Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Committee on Women’s Rights, who brings a strong advocacy background.
5. Mr. Stephen Aluko – A former Minister of Labour and Employment, who has experience dealing with large-scale public events.
6. Dr. Emmanuel Agyapong – A former Chief of Staff to the President of Ghana, known for his expertise in cross‑border election cooperation.
7. Mrs. Kemi Adeleke – The former Executive Director of the Federal Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs.
8. Mr. Musa Bari – A seasoned civil‑service lawyer who served as the Legal Adviser to the Supreme Court.
9. Ms. Nneka Ekpe – A former Managing Director of the Nigerian Bank for Access to Rural Development, who brings fiscal oversight experience.

Atiku explained that each nominee “brings a unique skill set and a record of integrity” that aligns with INEC’s mandate to ensure transparent processes. The composition is deliberately balanced across the country’s geopolitical zones to avoid any perception of regional bias.

A Call for Neutrality

The announcement follows a flurry of statements from opposition parties, civil society groups, and election watchdogs who have called for reforms to the INEC structure. “The commission’s credibility depends on its independence,” said Dr. Chika Eze, a political analyst at the Centre for Democratic Governance. “Atiku’s approach is a positive step toward institutionalizing that independence.”

Atiku further highlighted the importance of including experts from outside the traditional political sphere. “We need people who are not entangled in party politics but who have the technical acumen to oversee the electoral machinery,” he said.

The announcement also came with a promise of increased transparency in the selection process. Atiku said that before formally submitting the names to INEC, he would seek input from the National Assembly’s Committee on Ethics and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s own internal vetting procedures. “We want the process to be a democratic exercise,” he remarked.

Reactions and Implications

The political reaction has been mixed. The PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) welcomed the move, with NEC Chairman Professor Abdul‑Qadir Umar describing it as “a testament to Atiku’s commitment to a level playing field.” Meanwhile, the opposition All‑Africa Peoples Party (AAP) expressed cautious optimism. AAP spokesman, Olayinka Bola, said, “We are willing to consider a committee that brings in impartial voices, but we need to see how these nominations will be verified and whether they will be accepted by the Electoral Commission.”

The Nigerian Electoral Union (NEU), a coalition of civil society organizations that monitors elections, issued a statement encouraging the public to hold the commission accountable. “The list is promising, but the real test will be how INEC incorporates them into its existing governance framework,” the NEU said.

Looking Ahead

With the 2027 election looming on the horizon, Atiku’s list of nominees could play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around electoral integrity. If INEC accepts the nominees and integrates them into its operating structure, the commission may benefit from increased public trust, a more robust oversight mechanism, and a clearer path toward dispute resolution.

As Nigeria prepares for what is likely to be one of its most contentious elections, the stakes for electoral credibility have never been higher. Atiku’s initiative signals a recognition that the legitimacy of the electoral process is a shared responsibility—requiring the convergence of expertise, integrity, and genuine independence.

The official acceptance of these nominees by INEC, and the ensuing public response, will be watched closely by all stakeholders. The way forward will likely set precedents for future electoral reforms and, ultimately, influence the trajectory of Nigeria’s democratic journey.