PDP condemns appointment of ex- APC chairman as electoral commission head in Niger

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Niger State has condemned the appointment of a former APC State Chairman, Engr. Mohammed Jibrin Imam as the Niger State Independent National Electoral Committee, NSINEC.

PDP rejected the appointment in a statement signed by Yahaya Ability, State Vice Chairman and Zonal Chairman, Niger North Senatorial District.

“During the PDP administration, particularly under Governor Engr. A.A. Kure, the State INEC Chairman was Alhaji Maman Auna, a neutral civil servant. Similarly, during His Excellency Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu’s administration, the Chief Servant, it was Alhaji Danlami Dallatu, a neutral person.

“Even during the APC administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, it was Alhaji Baba Aminu, a civil servant, ensuring free and fair elections,” Ability said.

He questioned the governor’s decision, saying, “Why is your own different, imposing your will on the people without carrying everyone along?”

The PDP argued that the appointment undermines public trust and creates fear among opposition parties.

The party emphasized that the Nigerian constitution upholds impartiality in electoral processes.

Ability stated, “No opposition party can confidently participate in elections under an electoral body led by a member of the ruling party.”

The PDP urged Governor Mohammed Bago to reverse the appointment and restore public confidence in the electoral process, to ensure a level playing field for all parties.

The party maintained that Niger State deserves fairness, not a system that tilts the electoral process in favor of one party.

Recall the Governor Mohammed Bago had appointed Engr Mohammad Jibrin Imam to head the NSIEC alongside six others.

They include Barr. M.A. Liman as Permanent Commissioner I, Nasiru Ubandiya as Permanent Commissioner II, Yahaya Idris Abara as Permanent Commissioner III, Capt. Mohammed Baro as Permanent Commissioner IV.

Others are Kabiru Tanko Zama as Permanent Commissioner V, Barr. Amina Guar as Permanent Commissioner VI, and Barr. Ahmed Borgu as Permanent Commissioner VII.

The governor stated that their appointment is subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly