A former coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Organisation in Zamfara State, Kabiru Marafa, has raised fresh concerns over the neutrality of Nigeria’s electoral body, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is no longer impartial in its operations.
Marafa, who previously represented Zamfara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, claimed that the commission is increasingly dominated by individuals with affiliations to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He warned that such a development could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on the current political climate, Marafa expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of partisan influence within INEC. According to him, the appointment of individuals with clear political leanings into key positions within the commission contradicts the legal requirement that electoral officials must be neutral and non-partisan.
He argued that the alleged trend raises serious questions about the independence of the electoral body and its ability to conduct free and fair elections. “The situation is confused, and I think politicians today didn’t learn any lessons over the years,” he said, reflecting on what he described as a decline in adherence to democratic principles.
Marafa further warned against any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, insisting that the country’s size, diversity and political complexity make such an outcome unrealistic. He maintained that efforts to suppress opposition or dominate the political space would ultimately fail.
“You cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, railroad a country of nearly 300 million people into just one political party. It just cannot work,” he said.
The former lawmaker also questioned the credibility of INEC, stating that he no longer has confidence in the institution despite acknowledging that Nigeria has robust electoral laws. He argued that the main challenge lies not in the legal framework but in its implementation.
“How can I have confidence in INEC? I don’t know the kind of people… The law establishing INEC provides that anybody that is to be appointed into the umpire must be neutral, non-partisan,” he stated.
Marafa alleged that, contrary to this provision, many individuals currently occupying positions within the commission are known members of political parties. He said this has created an environment where the commission may struggle to act independently, particularly in politically sensitive matters.
“But what we have today—everybody knows that it is card-carrying members of political parties that are being appointed into positions of authority in INEC,” he added.
He also criticised the commission’s handling of internal party disputes, specifically referencing its role in the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to Marafa, INEC’s interpretation of legal directives in the matter has further fueled concerns about its impartiality.
Beyond the electoral body, Marafa directed criticism at the ruling APC, accusing it of attempting to avoid a genuinely competitive political environment despite its control of several states and key government institutions. He described the situation as both “unfortunate and laughable,” suggesting that a party with such extensive influence should not feel threatened by opposition forces.
He also questioned aspects of the proposed electoral timetable, particularly the extended gap between party primaries and the general election. According to him, such arrangements lack political logic and could create unnecessary complications within the electoral process.
On the issue of political loyalty among INEC officials, Marafa declined to identify specific party affiliations but maintained that appointees often align with the interests of those who facilitated their appointments. This, he argued, further undermines public trust in the commission’s independence.
“But the bottom line is, regardless of their political parties, they are going to dance to the music of he that appoints them,” he said.
Marafa concluded by warning against any attempt by individuals or groups to assume total control over Nigeria’s political system, emphasising that history has shown such ambitions are often short-lived. He stressed that no single entity can dominate a country as vast and complex as Nigeria without facing resistance.
“In all these things, anybody that tried to play God, God always has a way of showing human beings that God is God and human beings are human beings,” he said.
His remarks add to a growing wave of public discourse surrounding the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system, as political actors and observers increasingly focus on the role of institutions in safeguarding democracy ahead of future elections.
