Sokoto defends Tinubu’s INEC nominee, insists appointment on merit, not family ties

The Nigerian government has defended President Bola Tinubu's selection of Professor Mustapha Aliyu as a National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite objections from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate in Sokoto State. The government maintains that Tinubu's decision was driven by merit rather than the nominee's familial ties to the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu.

ADC candidate Manir Dan'iya has called for the President and the Senate to scrutinize the nominee's eligibility and independence, raising concerns about potential political affiliations. However, Faruku Labbo, the governor's Special Adviser on Political Matters, refuted these claims, stating that the nominee is not affiliated with any political party and possesses the necessary qualifications to serve impartially.

Dan'iya's objections stem from Section 156(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits appointees to INEC from being members of political parties. The controversy has sparked debates about the independence and impartiality of the electoral commission, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.