Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has highlighted the intense pressure faced by chairmen of Nigeria’s electoral body, describing the role as one of the most difficult in the country.
According to him, whoever occupies the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission inevitably faces criticism from different quarters.
Sani noted that from the era of FEDECO to the present INEC structure, electoral chairmen have consistently come under attack.
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He referenced Maurice Iwu as one of the most criticised figures in Nigeria’s electoral history.
He also pointed to the experience of Attahiru Jega, whose perception changed depending on electoral outcomes.
Jega faced backlash in the North after declaring Goodluck Jonathan winner in 2011.
However, he received widespread praise in 2015 after announcing Muhammadu Buhari as winner.
Sani said former chairman Mahmood Yakubu has now stepped aside, while Joash Amupitan faces growing criticism.
He described the current chairman as the latest “punchbag” in Nigeria’s political environment.
Furthermore, Sani argued that Nigeria’s political culture contributes to the pressure on electoral officials.
He said elections are often viewed in binary terms, where losing parties challenge outcomes aggressively.
He also noted that Goodluck Jonathan remains one of the few leaders to openly concede defeat.
In conclusion, Sani suggested that even a neutral or ideal figure would struggle in the role.
He said electoral officials are often judged based on outcomes rather than process.
