…“if this man is appointed INEC chairman, then forget about elections in Nigeria,” he declared emphatically.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) stalwart, Buba Galadima, has sounded a grave warning to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, cautioning that Nigeria could be pushed toward civil unrest if the government proceeds with an alleged plan to appoint a recently retired Court of Appeal judge as the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Galadima, a seasoned politician and long-time critic of perceived electoral manipulation, issued the warning during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday. He expressed deep concern over what he described as widespread rumours within political circles that the Federal Government was considering a controversial figure for the sensitive role of INEC chairman.
“Come November, there are rumours all over the place that this government is nominating a just-retired Court of Appeal judge who is known for notoriety to be the chairman of INEC,” Galadima revealed. “I wish it is not true. Because if that man becomes the chairman of INEC, be rest assured that this government is inviting a civil war in this country.”
The outspoken NNPP chieftain did not mince words, describing the unnamed retired judge as “notorious” and wholly unfit to oversee Nigeria’s electoral body. He stressed that entrusting the country’s democratic processes to someone with such a questionable reputation would not only erode public trust but also pose a direct threat to national stability.
Galadima further accused the Tinubu-led administration of showing a pattern of disregard for the rule of law and manipulating institutions to serve partisan interests. He alleged that the present leadership of INEC is already compromised in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming that electoral neutrality has been sacrificed for political gains.
“The INEC chairman has already rigged the election for APC,” he alleged. “They brought somebody that is the secretary of the party that went to court for APC as acting national chairman, and he was rewarded with chairman of INEC.”
By making these accusations, Galadima underscored his belief that Nigeria’s electoral system is teetering on the brink of collapse. He warned that the appointment of the controversial retired judge would further undermine the credibility of the nation’s democratic institutions and could provoke widespread chaos.
“If this man is appointed INEC chairman, then forget about elections in Nigeria,” he declared emphatically. “Because there would be no elections in this country, and it will create chaos.”
The former close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari emphasised that Nigeria’s fragile democracy cannot withstand what he sees as a deliberate attempt to hijack the electoral process. He urged citizens, civil society organisations, and the international community to remain alert and to demand transparency and accountability in the appointment of INEC’s leadership.
Galadima insisted that individuals with questionable track records must never be entrusted with such a critical position. According to him, the credibility of elections determines the legitimacy of any government, and compromising that process would have dire consequences for the entire nation.
He called on Nigerians to be vigilant and proactive in protecting democratic institutions. “We must not allow individuals with tainted reputations to be in charge of our elections,” he said. “The future of our democracy depends on the integrity of those who oversee the process. Any attempt to impose someone unfit for the job will not only destroy confidence in our elections but could also destabilise Nigeria.”
The NNPP chieftain’s warning comes at a time of heightened political tension in the country, with opposition figures and civil society groups expressing concerns over the independence of INEC and the conduct of future elections. His comments have sparked fresh debate over how the Tinubu administration intends to steer the nation’s democratic process and whether the next electoral umpire will inspire public trust or deepen political divisions.
As the nation anticipates the official announcement of the next INEC chairman, Galadima’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the stakes involved. For Nigeria, the credibility of its electoral body remains a cornerstone of political stability, and any perceived compromise could ignite unrest with far-reaching consequences.
