A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has issued a strong warning to the federal government over alleged plans to appoint a controversial retired judge as the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday, Galadima claimed that the move could lead Nigeria into serious crisis, even as far as civil war.
“There are rumours all over the place that this government is nominating a just retired Court of Appeal judge who is known for notoriety to be the chairman of INEC,” Galadima said.
“I wish it is not true. Because if that man becomes the chairman of INEC, be rest assured that this government is inviting a civil war in this country.”
The outspoken politician did not name the retired judge but described him as a person with a questionable past, unfit to oversee Nigeria’s electoral system.
Galadima also accused the current administration of compromising the integrity of INEC, claiming that the electoral body, under its present leadership, is already tilted in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, the current INEC chairman allegedly played a role in rigging elections for the APC and was rewarded with the position due to his ties to the ruling party.
“The INEC chairman has already rigged the election for APC,” Galadima alleged. “They brought somebody that is the secretary of the party that went to court for APC as acting national chairman, and he was rewarded with chairman of INEC.”
While Galadima did not provide detailed evidence to support these claims, his remarks reflect growing public concern over electoral fairness in Nigeria, especially after the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections.
The NNPP chieftain said appointing someone with a “notorious” track record to lead INEC would erode public trust in the democratic process and possibly spark nationwide unrest.
“If this man is appointed INEC chairman, then forget about elections in Nigeria. Because there would be no elections in this country, and it will create chaos,” he warned.
He called on Nigerians to be alert and resist any attempt to impose individuals with tainted records into sensitive national positions.
“Nigerians must wake up. We must not allow our democracy to be destroyed by a few individuals who think they can do whatever they want without consequences,” he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is Nigeria’s electoral umpire, responsible for organising and overseeing all elections in the country. The chairman of INEC plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, fairness, and credibility in the electoral process.
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the role of INEC chairman has been under intense public scrutiny, especially during election seasons. Appointments to this position are made by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
Critics have long called for electoral reforms to make the commission more independent and free from political interference.
Galadima’s comments come at a time when tensions are already high within the political landscape. Many Nigerians, civil society groups, and opposition figures have raised concerns over the integrity of the electoral process and the independence of INEC.
Although the federal government has not officially announced any plans to appoint a new INEC chairman, the strong reaction from Galadima shows the level of distrust and fear surrounding such a decision.
So far, there has been no official response from the presidency or INEC regarding the allegations.
