The electoral commission should remain open to scrutiny but warned that allegations against it must be assessed objectively and in accordance with due process
By Moses Okorie
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption (COCSOAC) and 33 partner organisations have defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against unverified allegations of politically motivated staff redeployments, urging Nigerians to avoid conclusions unsupported by credible evidence.
The coalition also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran Anthony, for reappointment when her tenure expires, citing the importance of institutional experience and administrative continuity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, COCSOAC President, Bola Ademola, and National Secretary, Comrade Abdulfatah Aliyu, said the electoral commission should remain open to scrutiny but warned that allegations against it must be assessed objectively and in accordance with due process.
The coalition’s reaction followed an online publication alleging questionable staff changes within INEC, including the reported reassignment of a Northern director and the deployment of South-West officials to strategic departments.
However, COCSOAC said it had not independently established the accuracy of the claims or the alleged motives behind the reported decisions.
It cautioned against interpreting the alleged redeployments as evidence of political interference or ethnic favouritism without sufficient proof.
“Assuming without conceding that the redeployments occurred as reported, staff reassignment is a recognised administrative practice that may serve legitimate purposes, including operational efficiency, professional development and improved management,” the coalition said.
It maintained that the legitimacy of such decisions should be determined by examining whether established procedures were followed, appropriate approvals obtained and genuine administrative needs addressed.
According to the group, an official’s state of origin or family connections should not, by themselves, be used to suggest an intention to compromise the electoral process.
COCSOAC called on INEC to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported staff changes where necessary, while urging journalists and civil society groups to verify sensitive information before publishing or amplifying allegations.
The coalition also congratulated Anthony on her turbaning, describing her experience and administrative capacity as valuable assets that could contribute to institutional stability.
It argued that retaining experienced personnel, where legally permissible and justified by performance, could help preserve institutional knowledge and improve coordination as INEC prepares for the next general elections.
The group, however, emphasised that its appeal for Anthony’s reappointment was subject to applicable laws and established appointment procedures.
It said any decision on the matter must respect INEC’s independence and protect the credibility of the electoral process.
The coalition further urged political actors, the media and other stakeholders to avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral body through unsubstantiated claims.
It stressed that its position was not intended to exempt INEC from accountability but to ensure that allegations against the commission were supported by verifiable facts and that all affected parties received a fair hearing.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, COCSOAC said transparency, accountability, institutional stability and respect for the rule of law remained essential to building public trust and delivering credible elections in Nigeria.