The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Jigawa State Chapter, has expressed concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Zahradden Basiru Sanusi (Ɗan Isan Dutse) as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Jigawa State.
The party alleges that the appointee has close political ties to the Governor of Jigawa State, raising concerns about the perception of political neutrality and impartiality in the administration of elections in the state.
According to the NDC, the Resident Electoral Commissioner plays a significant role in coordinating INEC’s activities at the state level. The party therefore maintains that appointments to such sensitive electoral positions should inspire public confidence and strengthen trust in the independence of the electoral umpire.
The NDC argues that the alleged political association between the appointee and the state governor could create perceptions of partiality among opposition parties and other electoral stakeholders. It stresses that the credibility of an electoral institution depends not only on its actual independence but also on the public’s confidence in its impartiality.
In view of these concerns, the NDC, Jigawa State Chapter, calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the appointment in the interest of fairness, transparency, political neutrality, and public confidence in the electoral process.
The party further urges the relevant authorities to uphold the principles of electoral independence and impartiality in all appointments to sensitive positions within INEC, particularly as Nigeria prepares for future elections.
The NDC reiterates that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the ability of electoral institutions to discharge their responsibilities without political interference or the perception of undue political influence.
The party emphasizes that every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, deserves confidence in the fairness, transparency, and integrity of the electoral process.
ISSUED BY:
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
Jigawa State Chapter
