In a recent statement, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr. Femi Falana criticized the appointment of partisan politicians as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and called on President Bola Tinubu to honor his commitment to ensuring a credible electoral process. Falana voiced his concerns during a morning show on Channels Television, urging stakeholders to legally challenge the appointment of four new RECs who are affiliated with political parties.

Falana highlighted the history of political interference in the appointment process, emphasizing that both the ruling parties, the PDP and the APC, had appointed party loyalists and sympathizers to key positions within the electoral body, leading to constitutional amendments. He pointed out that the Uwais panel had recommended an open application process for INEC positions, with candidates being shortlisted by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and approved by the Senate via the Council of State. However, this recommendation was not adopted by the political parties.

Regarding the recent appointments, Falana revealed that four out of the ten appointed RECs are card-carrying members of political parties, with three being members of the APC and one from the PDP. He mentioned that the PDP in Akwa Ibom has already challenged the appointment of the REC from their state in court. Falana called on other stakeholders to follow suit and challenge the remaining three appointments in court, asserting that any illegal appointment cannot be legitimized through legislative confirmation.

Falana emphasized the need for credible elections in 2027, urging President Tinubu to uphold his promise of ensuring fair and transparent elections in Nigeria.