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The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has demanded transparency in Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recruitment for 2027 general elections. The umbrella body of registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria warned against any attempt to compromise the process. It said no partisan individual should occupy sensitive electoral positions.
The warning was contained in a press statement issued by Comrade James Ezema. He is the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP. The statement was released for immediate publication.
Contents
What Triggered The Warning
The CNPP cited a reported political meeting in Kaduna in September 2026. Reports said over 600 senior academics from public universities in Northern Nigeria endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election.
According to reports, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari, convened the meeting. The invitation reportedly listed securing endorsement and active support for the President’s 2027 re-election as an objective. It also described the gathering as a mobilisation exercise.
However, the identities of the 600 participants have not been comprehensively established. In addition, some persons named as participants have denied attending. Therefore, the claims remain unverified.
Right To Support Candidate Is Not The Issue — CNPP
The CNPP said it recognises the right of every Nigerian to hold political opinions. This includes university academics. Therefore, the issue is not political preference.
The real question is neutrality in election management. The CNPP asked whether persons who openly support a candidate can serve as electoral officers. Such appointments could undermine credibility and public perception.
This concern is urgent because INEC has commenced recruitment for 2027. The commission’s portal shows categories like Supervisory Presiding Officers, Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers, RAC Managers and Registration Area Technical Support.
Eligibility differs by category. For instance, Supervisory Presiding Officers require Grade Level 10-14. Meanwhile, other categories require Grade Level 07 and above. INEC said the exercise will involve a very large workforce.
Electoral Act Sets Clear Standard
The CNPP referenced Section 27(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. The law bars INEC from appointing any member of a political party. It also bars anyone who has openly expressed support for any candidate.
In addition, Section 27(2) says appointed officers must function under INEC’s authority. They must not act under direction of any other person. Therefore, the law establishes a clear standard for neutrality.
The CNPP said the standard must be applied consistently and transparently. It must be applied without political discrimination.
No Evidence Of Compromise Yet, But Transparency Needed Now
The CNPP stressed it is not accusing the 600 academics of seeking INEC jobs. It also said it has no evidence that INEC has compromised its recruitment. However, absence of proof today should not stop demands for transparency.
The group recalled INEC’s position before the 2023 elections. The commission said card-carrying party members should not handle election duties. It also said staff with obvious political leanings should be excluded. Furthermore, Collation and Returning Officers must swear an oath of neutrality.
According to INEC’s 2023 report, academic staff from federal tertiary institutions served as Collation and Returning Officers. Therefore, how INEC applies neutrality standards in 2027 is critical.
8 Questions CNPP Wants INEC To Answer
Consequently, the CNPP asked INEC to publicly clarify eight issues:
- Whether any academic who endorsed the President has applied for 2027 INEC assignment.
- Whether INEC will verify public political endorsements before appointing Collation and Returning Officers.
- What documentary standards INEC will use to define “openly expressed support” under Section 27.
- Whether INEC will publish names and affiliations of persons appointed to sensitive collation roles.
- Whether INEC will provide a channel for parties and observers to submit verifiable objections.
- Whether an independent verification process exists for politically exposed applicants.
- Whether INEC will publish guidelines distinguishing polling staff from Collation and Returning Officers.
- Whether any ministry, political office-holder or support group has any role in recommending electoral personnel.
The CNPP said these questions do not interfere with INEC’s independence. Instead, they protect it from political actors who could cast doubt on its impartiality.
Why Nigeria Cannot Wait Until After Results
The CNPP also called on universities to exercise caution when nominating staff. It said academic freedom must be protected, but electoral neutrality must also be protected.
According to the group, a compromised referee could inflict damage beyond election day. If Nigerians believe officials were chosen for loyalty, confidence in polling and collation will weaken. Consequently, disputes, polarisation and loss of trust could follow.
“Nigeria’s 2027 election must not be investigated only after the results have been declared. The process must be watched before, during and after the election,” the statement said.
The CNPP therefore called for proactive observation by civil society, media, professional bodies and international partners. Observation should cover recruitment, training, appointment of officers, procurement of materials and result management.
It urged political parties to avoid attempts to compromise personnel. In addition, it asked them to submit documentary evidence where conflicts exist.
“The greatest danger to Nigeria’s democracy is not merely that an election could be disputed. It is that citizens could lose confidence in the institutions responsible for determining how their votes are counted,” CNPP added.
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