Why INEC can’t be independent – ADP Chair, Yabagi Sani

National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, Yabagi Sani, says the independence of Nigeria’s electoral body is compromised because the presidency controls its finances and appointments.

Sani made this statement on Saturday when he featured in an interview on Arise Television.

His comment is coming a few days following the appointment of Prof Joash Amupitan as Chairman of INEC.

He warned that the structure of Nigeria’s electoral system leaves the commission vulnerable to executive control.

According to him, while Prof Amupitan’s qualifications and experience stand him out for the position, the circumstances surrounding his appointment raise concerns about INEC’s independence.

“It’s a big historic task. In fact, for the new chairman of INEC, from the pedigree that I’ve read, I think he’s up to it in terms of his qualifications, experience, and exposure as a legal person, an academic and an administrator.

“But I have mixed feelings because when you look at the environment, we are practising constitutional democracy, and the constitution clearly states that the person who appoints the INEC Chairman, the Commissioners, and the 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners is the President. That is a big challenge,” he said.