Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North, has called on the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent individuals with strong political connections from being appointed to sensitive positions within the commission. Oshiomhole made this plea during the Senate screening of the new INEC Chairman, citing his personal experience in Edo State as an example of how conflicts of interest can compromise the integrity of elections.
He recalled an instance where the wife of a political party chairman was in charge of the ICT unit of INEC in the state, creating a situation where the line between partisan politics and electoral management became blurred. According to Oshiomhole, this led to potential manipulation, as the party chairman’s wife allegedly boasted about her ability to provide information that could influence accreditation issues.
Oshiomhole urged the incoming INEC leadership to establish clear policies to prevent such conflicts of interest in the future. He suggested that the commission should not appoint spouses of politicians to sensitive positions, emphasizing the need to avoid turning INEC into a “family affair.” By doing so, the commission can maintain its independence and credibility, which is essential for conducting free and fair elections.
The call by Oshiomhole comes at a time when the electoral commission is working to strengthen its processes and ensure the integrity of elections in Nigeria. The appointment of a new INEC Chairman is seen as an opportunity to address some of the challenges faced by the commission in the past, including concerns about partisan interference and conflicts of interest.
As the new INEC leadership takes office, it is expected to prioritize measures that will enhance the transparency and credibility of the electoral process. This includes ensuring that appointments within the commission are based on merit and that individuals with potential conflicts of interest are not placed in sensitive positions. By taking these steps, the commission can help to build trust in the electoral process and ensure that the will of the people is reflected in the outcome of elections.