…..FROM NEUTRAL REFEREE TO PARTISAN PLAYER: A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY.
The recent appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should spark widespread concern about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral system and the health of its democracy. This development, confirmed on July 24, 2025, during the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, raises serious questions about the impartiality of INEC, the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral processes, and the ruling party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles. The decision to elevate an individual with recent ties to INEC to such a prominent political position is not merely a political maneuver; it represents a deliberate erosion of the institutional safeguards that ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria.
The independence of INEC is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic framework. Established under the 1999 Constitution, INEC is tasked with organizing elections, ensuring impartiality, and maintaining public trust in the electoral process. Resident Electoral Commissioners play a critical role in this mission, overseeing elections at the state level and managing the distribution of electoral materials, voter registration, and result collation. The expectation is that RECs remain neutral, free from political affiliations, and committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Section 156(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution explicitly prohibits individuals who are members of a political party from being appointed as INEC commissioners, underscoring the importance of non-partisanship in these roles.
However, the appointment of a former REC as the APC’s National Chairman—barely three years after his tenure at INEC—creates a perception of compromised neutrality and undermines public confidence in the electoral body.
Professor Yilwatda served as an REC in Benue State from 2017 to 2021, a role that required him to embody impartiality and oversee elections with fairness. His subsequent involvement in partisan politics, including his candidacy in the APC’s 2022 governorship primary in Plateau State and his role as the state coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in 2023, raises serious concerns about the potential politicization of INEC. The transition from a supposedly neutral electoral official to a high-ranking position within the ruling party suggests a troubling overlap between electoral administration and partisan politics. This move fuels suspicions that INEC’s independence may be vulnerable to infiltration by political actors, casting doubt on the fairness of past and future elections.
The implications of this appointment are far-reaching. First, it erodes public trust in INEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections. Nigerians have long expressed concerns about electoral irregularities, including allegations of vote rigging, result manipulation, and partisan interference. The 2023 general elections, in which APC’s Bola Tinubu emerged victorious, were already marred by controversies over INEC’s performance, with opposition candidates like Peter Obi and others citing widespread irregularities.
The appointment of a former REC as APC Chairman reinforces perceptions that INEC may be aligned with the ruling party, further alienating voters and undermining the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Second, this development signals a broader assault on Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The APC’s decision to appoint Yilwatda, reportedly backed by President Tinubu and key party stakeholders, suggests a strategic effort to consolidate power by blurring the lines between electoral administration and political control. The party’s history of absorbing high-profile defectors from opposition parties, such as former PDP governors in 2013, demonstrates its willingness to prioritize political dominance over democratic principles. By placing a former INEC official at the helm of the party, the APC risks creating a perception that it is intentionally weakening the checks and balances designed to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
The concerns surrounding this appointment are not new because the APC is bent on destroying the framework of critical democratic institution. In 2022 Nigerians criticized President Buhari’s nomination of RECs with alleged ties to the APC, arguing that such appointments violated constitutional provisions and threatened INEC’s neutrality. Similarly, the nomination of Etekamba Umoren as an REC in 2023 was met with objections due to his reported APC membership, highlighting a pattern of appointing individuals with partisan affiliations to sensitive electoral positions. These precedents, combined with Yilwatda’s appointment, suggest a systemic issue that could further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Defenders of the appointment may argue that Yilwatda’s tenure as an REC ended in 2021, and he is within his rights to pursue a political career. They might also point to his qualifications as an engineer, academic, and former governorship candidate as evidence of his suitability for the APC chairmanship. However, these arguments fail to address the broader implications for democratic integrity. The short timeframe between Yilwatda’s INEC tenure and his appointment as APC Chairman—coupled with his active role in the party’s 2023 campaign—creates a reasonable suspicion of partisan bias during his time at INEC. Even if no wrongdoing occurred which I sincerely doubt, the perception of impropriety is enough to damage public trust in the electoral process.
To safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, several steps must be taken. First, there should be stricter regulations to prevent former INEC officials from participating in partisan politics for a specified period after their tenure, similar to cooling-off periods in other democracies. Such a measure would help maintain the perception of INEC’s independence and prevent the revolving door between electoral administration and political leadership. Second, if not that the Senate is rubber stamp legislative chamber, the Senate should have exercise its oversight function more rigorously, rejecting nominations of individuals with questionable partisan affiliations to INEC positions. Finally, opposition Political Parties and the media must continue to hold the government and INEC accountable, advocating for transparency and impartiality in the electoral process.
The appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman represents a significant setback for Nigeria’s democracy. It undermines the independence of INEC, erodes public trust in the electoral process, and reinforces perceptions of the APC’s willingness to prioritize power over democratic principles. While Yilwatda’s academic and professional credentials may be impressive, his recent role as an REC raises legitimate concerns about the impartiality of Nigeria’s electoral system. If Nigeria is to maintain its commitment to democracy, it must prioritize the integrity of its institutions over short-term political gains. The APC’s actions suggest a troubling trajectory, and it is up to Nigerians—through advocacy, vigilance, and civic engagement—to demand accountability and protect the democratic process from further erosion.
Chief Peter Ameh
Former National chairman IPAC
Saintpeter.ameh@gmail.com
