Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate fairness in handling complaints about candidates omitted from its final list for the 2027 elections.
According to Channels Television, Effiong made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on the station’s The Morning Brief programme.
The lawyer expressed concern about the controversy surrounding the commission’s handling of some political parties’ candidate nominations.
He maintained that INEC had a responsibility to reassure Nigerians that its decisions were guided by the law rather than political considerations.
Effiong questions INEC’s handling of candidate list
The lawyer argued that the commission must demonstrate neutrality when implementing court judgments and reviewing disputed nominations.
“If INEC does not act in a manner that is neutral,” he warned, its efforts could be undermined.
He stressed that electoral credibility depended on consistent treatment of candidates and political parties.
The controversy followed INEC’s publication of candidate lists for the 2027 governorship elections.
Some political parties have complained about missing names, while others are dealing with internal nomination disputes and related court proceedings.
Effiong’s remarks added to calls for greater transparency in how the commission handles those disagreements.
The lawyer did not establish that every omission resulted from deliberate political interference.
His central concern was that INEC should demonstrate impartiality and explain the legal basis of its decisions.
The commission’s handling of the disputed nominations remains under public scrutiny as preparations continue for the elections.
