Former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has issued a strong caution to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), advising against the appointment of individuals with political connections, particularly spouses of politicians, to sensitive positions within the commission.
Senate Screening Highlights Conflict of Interest Concerns
During the Senate screening of the new INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, Oshiomhole emphasized that such appointments could undermine the integrity of electoral processes. He stated, “One last point, an experience we had in Edo State. The chairman of a political party; one that is dying now had his wife serving as a director or heading the ICT unit of INEC in the state.”
This situation, he explained, blurs the line between partisan politics and electoral management, creating opportunities for manipulation. Oshiomhole alleged, “The husband, being the PDP chairman at the time, had his wife boasting that she could supply information that would help them deal with accreditation issues.”
Call for Clear Policies to Prevent Future Conflicts
The former governor urged the incoming INEC leadership to establish clear policies preventing such conflicts. He asked, “Will you be able, as you have assured us, to make a policy that says if you are a spouse of a politician, you cannot be given a sensitive appointment? We must avoid turning INEC into a family affair.”
This intervention comes amid growing concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and the need to maintain its independence from political influence.
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