Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain reported personnel changes in key departments and disclose details of arrangements for producing and safeguarding sensitive materials ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the demand on Sunday, October 11, 2026, through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.
He argued that the public needed clear information about the decisions, particularly because the departments involved play important roles in election administration and the management of electoral information.
The former vice president said INEC should explain the basis for the reported appointments and redeployments, publish the criteria applied and demonstrate that due process had been followed.
Atiku questions changes in key departments
Atiku cited reports that Isa Magaji Gum had been moved from the Electoral Operations Department to the Voter Registry Department.
He also referred to reports that Mrs Oluyemi Titilayo Adeyemi-Showunmi had been appointed to head Electoral Operations, while Dr Lawrence Bayode was identified as head of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department.
The former vice president urged the commission to clarify the changes and explain the procedures used to make the decisions.
The reported movements have drawn attention because electoral operations and voter registration are central to preparations for a general election, while ICT systems support important aspects of electoral administration.
However, questions raised by a political figure do not, on their own, establish that any appointment or redeployment was improper. The commission’s explanation would be necessary to assess the decisions and the procedures followed.
Calls for transparency over sensitive materials
Atiku’s concerns also extend to the production and custody of sensitive election materials, including ballot papers.
He argued that INEC should provide information about the arrangements in place to protect the integrity of electoral materials and reassure Nigerians that the process would be conducted transparently.
Election materials require secure procurement, production, transportation, storage and distribution procedures to reduce the risk of interference and protect public confidence in the outcome.
Atiku’s intervention adds to the political debate over the independence of the electoral commission and the safeguards needed to ensure credible elections.
For the 2027 election, questions about procurement, technology, staffing and the protection of sensitive materials are likely to remain important as preparations progress.
INEC’s response will be important
The commission’s ability to communicate its decisions clearly will be important in addressing concerns and preventing unverified reports from becoming a source of unnecessary suspicion.
Publishing relevant appointment criteria and providing appropriate information about procurement and security arrangements could help clarify the issues raised, subject to legitimate confidentiality and security requirements.
Atiku’s demand places the focus on the need for transparent election administration, but the substantive issues will depend on the facts surrounding the reported changes and the commission’s response.
As political parties prepare for 2027, public confidence will depend not only on the rules governing elections but also on how clearly and consistently those rules are applied.