2027: Politicians Infiltrating INEC Staff Recruitment, Igini Raises Alarm

Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner, Mike Igini, has raised concerns over alleged attempts by politicians to influence the recruitment of personnel for the 2027 general elections, warning that such interference could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

Igini expressed concern that political interference in the recruitment of election personnel could compromise the integrity and effectiveness of INEC, particularly at the polling-unit level, where votes are cast and results are recorded.

He spoke during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, where he highlighted the need for credible election officials, effective deployment of technology and strict enforcement of electoral laws to ensure transparent and credible elections in 2027.

According to him, politicians are allegedly infiltrating agencies responsible for supplying election personnel, thereby creating potential challenges for INEC as it prepares for the next general elections.

“What happened is that politicians infiltrate those agencies. They infiltrate those agencies and create liability for INEC itself as an institution. The laws are no longer enforced. That is my greatest worry about this election,” he said.

The former national commissioner singled out presiding officers as particularly critical to the electoral process, noting that they play a central role in supervising voting and documenting results at polling units.

He urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to the integrity of officials engaged in election duties, warning that weaknesses at the polling-unit level could jeopardise the credibility of the entire electoral process.

Igini also questioned the level of accountability among institutions and individuals responsible for conducting elections, arguing that public expenditure on elections must be matched with effective oversight and consequences for failures.

Expressing concern over the protection of voters’ mandates, he said the state had failed to adequately safeguard the votes of Nigerians.

“The state has failed to protect the vote of Nigerian people. How can you pay 26.7 billion? Yet those people cannot be held accountable?” he asked.

Igini’s warning comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, with the credibility of election personnel, enforcement of electoral laws and protection of voters’ choices expected to remain key issues in the debate over electoral reforms.