Kalu and Nwankwo Clash Over INEC's Independence Amid Election Concerns
Former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu, has firmly dismissed allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is manipulating the electoral system to weaken opposition parties. He insists that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains independent and fully deserving of public trust. However, Clement Nwankwo, the Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), has sounded a stark alarm over the perceived erosion of INEC's independence, warning that this threatens to undermine public confidence and destabilize Nigeria's democratic process.
Kalu's Defense of INEC's Autonomy
Kalu made these remarks while addressing journalists at the National Assembly lobby as part of events marking his 66th birthday. He described accusations from opposition groups, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as "frivolous" and damaging to Nigeria's democratic reputation. According to Kalu, the APC has absolutely no influence over INEC, which he said operates autonomously under its own leadership.
"The APC as a party has nothing to do with INEC. INEC is an independent body, and we have a lot of respect for the Chairman of INEC. Let us stop this frivolity. People should take democracy seriously instead of de-marketing the country," Kalu asserted.
The Abia North senator also rejected claims that the ruling party was pressuring politicians—particularly governors—to defect to its ranks. He emphasized that political alignment remains a personal decision, noting that President Bola Tinubu does not coerce anyone into joining the APC.
"President Tinubu has never begged anybody to leave his party or to join our party. If a governor decides to join APC, that is his business. Nobody is forcing anybody," he stated firmly.
Nwankwo's Warning on Democratic Stability
Speaking on Arise News, Nwankwo expressed deep dismay at the current political climate, which appears to favor one party ahead of the 2027 general elections. "As we head to the 2027 general elections, it is very sad to see that it appears that only one party appears to be coasting to some level of stability as we go on. The other parties are mad in their own confusion because of the influence of the ruling party," he lamented.
Nwankwo criticized INEC's weakened credibility, citing successive election cycles and a lack of transparency. "INEC came out of the 2023 general election, even 2019, with its reputation severely dented, and we had said, INEC needs to rebuild its credibility, image and citizens' trust in it. I think that's the worrying issue."
He further cautioned, "Those who win an election that people have no trust in the process, probably just end up with a pyrrhic victory. Pyrrhic victories always have consequences." The PLAC boss questioned INEC's independence, pointing to unnecessary election timetable adjustments and a lack of result verification.
"So all of these things raise the question, is INEC making these decisions independently, or is it under political pressure to make these decisions?" he asked pointedly.
Forensic Investigation into Alleged X Account
Meanwhile, the last has not been heard of the controversial X account linked to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. On Monday, INEC released the findings of a forensic investigation into the alleged account. The electoral umpire stated that the investigation found the account, @joashamupitan, and all posts attributed to the INEC chairman, were fake and "forensically unverifiable."
INEC explained that it "commissioned an independent forensic cybersecurity expert, who conducted a multi-layered forensic and digital investigation using X platform data, Internet archive records, OSINT tools, identity forensics and cross-platform analysis."
Foundation for Digital Justice Demands Transparency
In a freedom of information (FOI) letter dated April 21 and addressed to Amupitan, the Foundation for Digital Justice (FDJ) has written to INEC requesting detailed information about the forensic probe. The letter, signed by Legal Manager Moses Alabi, demands:
- A Certified True Copy of the full report of the forensic investigation conducted in relation to the X account.
- The full name and professional profile of the independent forensic cybersecurity expert or firm engaged by the commission.
- A Certified True Copy of the Letter of Engagement or Service Level Agreement detailing the specific Scope of Work and terms of reference.
- The total amount INEC paid to the expert or firm, including a breakdown of payments.
- Any other necessary documents, such as procurement records and internal certificates of completion.
The foundation expressed confidence that the requests would be treated urgently in line with the seven-day rule stipulated under Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011. "In the unlikely event that our modest requests are not met within the statutory timeframe, we will be compelled to take appropriate legal steps, in furtherance of public interest," it added.
This clash of perspectives highlights the ongoing debate over electoral integrity in Nigeria, with key figures offering starkly different views on INEC's role and independence as the country approaches future elections.
