A former coordinator of the Tinubu Shettima Presidential Campaign in Zamfara State, Senator Kabiru Marafa, has warned Nigerians about what he described as a growing lack of neutrality within the country electoral body ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Marafa, who once represented Zamfara Central in the Senate, said the Independent National Electoral Commission is no longer acting as an independent umpire. He claimed that many of those currently holding key positions in the commission are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, a situation he believes could affect the credibility of future elections.
Speaking during an interview, Marafa explained that the law clearly states that anyone appointed into the commission must be neutral and not affiliated with any political party. However, he said what is happening in reality is very different, with political loyalists allegedly taking up important roles.
He expressed concern that this trend could allow the ruling party to dominate the political space without real opposition, warning that such a move would be dangerous for a country as large and diverse as Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria cannot function as a one party system because of its size, population, and complex political structure. He stressed that any attempt to force that kind of system on the country would fail.
Marafa also said he has lost confidence in the electoral body, not because of the laws guiding it, but because of how those laws are being applied. He argued that while the legal framework for elections in Nigeria is strong, the problem lies in its implementation by those in charge.
He maintained that many Nigerians are aware that individuals with political ties are being appointed into positions where neutrality is expected, making it difficult for the commission to act fairly in sensitive matters.
He also criticized the commission’s handling of internal party issues, especially its involvement in the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress. He suggested that the way the commission interpreted legal matters in that situation raises doubts about its impartiality.
Marafa did not spare the ruling party in his remarks, accusing it of trying to avoid healthy competition despite already controlling several states and major government institutions. He described this approach as both unfortunate and unnecessary, saying a party with such influence should not be afraid of opposition.
He also questioned the proposed election timetable, pointing out that the long gap between party primaries and the general election does not make practical political sense.
On the issue of loyalty, Marafa explained that those appointed into key positions often feel obligated to serve the interests of those who appointed them, regardless of their official role. He said this reality makes true independence difficult to achieve.
He ended with a strong warning, saying no individual or group can completely control Nigeria political future. According to him, history has shown that attempts to dominate everything eventually fail, reminding leaders that power is never absolute.
