Political activist and civil society leader, Dr Usman Bugaje, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy risks collapse if the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to be undermined and its chairman remains appointed by the president.
Speaking on ARISE News on Monday, Bugaje said, “INEC as a presidential constitution has lost a lot of credibility. It is very important that the institution gains this credibility. Otherwise, the stability of the country is going to be threatened. If this failure continues, then it will erode not only confidence in INEC but confidence in democracy itself.”
He argued that reforms must insulate INEC from political interference, warning that any election where the president appoints the electoral umpire “is a sham.” He likened it to “Chelsea Football Club bringing the referee that will ref a match against Manchester United.”
Bugaje dismissed ongoing debates about zoning for the INEC chairmanship, insisting Nigeria needs competence, not geographical considerations. “We have zoned for the last 25 years. Where has that taken this country to? Down the drain. Therefore, it is time to stop this childish idea and really face the reality. We need competent people,” he said.
He also expressed concern over reports of alleged attempts by politicians to infiltrate INEC structures ahead of the 2027 elections, calling for immediate legal backing to deploy technology to safeguard the process. “This is something that can be done in the next one, two, three weeks if there is sufficient pressure from the public,” he said.
On former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s denial of a third-term bid, Bugaje insisted there was “overwhelming evidence” the former leader sought to extend his tenure, alleging that lawmakers were threatened and bribed during the attempt. “Let him take me up. Absolutely. Let him take me up,” Bugaje declared.
