The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption (COCSOAC) and more than 33 partner civil society organisations have expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging Nigerians to exercise caution over allegations of questionable staff redeployments within the electoral body.
The coalition also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the reappointment of INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran Anthony, upon the expiration of her tenure, subject to applicable laws and relevant appointment procedures.
The group made its position known in a press conference statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and signed by its President, Bola Ademola, and National Secretary, Comrade Abdulfatah Aliyu.
The organisations said that while INEC should remain accountable to Nigerians, allegations against the commission must be supported by credible evidence and subjected to due process before conclusions are drawn.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the coalition stressed that public confidence in the electoral body was essential to the country’s democratic stability, warning against the spread of unverified claims capable of undermining trust in electoral institutions.
COCSOAC said it had taken note of an online media publication alleging questionable staff redeployments at INEC, including the reported reassignment of a director from the North and the placement of South-West officials in key departments.
However, the coalition emphasised that it had not independently verified the reported changes or the motives allegedly behind them.
“Consequently, claims of political interference or ethnic favouritism should not be treated as established facts,” the statement said.
The group argued that administrative transfers and redeployments were recognised management practices that could be undertaken for legitimate reasons, including improving operational efficiency, promoting professional development and strengthening institutional administration.
It maintained that the geographical origin or family associations of an officer could not, on their own, establish allegations of bias or an intention to manipulate elections.
According to the coalition, the critical issues should be whether the reported decisions complied with applicable regulations, received the necessary authorisation and were based on legitimate administrative considerations.
“We therefore encourage INEC to clarify the circumstances where appropriate, while urging the media and civil society to avoid premature conclusions,” the statement added.
The organisations urged journalists, political actors and other stakeholders to exercise restraint in discussing the allegations, insisting that responsible scrutiny, rather than speculation, would better serve the public interest.
Beyond its position on the redeployment allegations, the coalition congratulated Dr Rose Oriaran Anthony on her turbaning, while commending the importance of experience, diligence and administrative continuity in the management of elections.
It appealed to President Tinubu to consider her for another term as INEC Secretary when her current tenure expires, arguing that retaining an experienced administrator could help preserve institutional knowledge and strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The coalition, however, clarified that its appeal was made in the national interest and should not be interpreted as a demand for an appointment outside the provisions of the law.
“This appeal is made in the national interest, not as a demand for any appointment outside the law,” the statement said.
It added that continuity in key administrative positions could support coordination and contribute to the organisation of peaceful, credible and well-managed elections.
“Where an experienced incumbent has demonstrated the requisite commitment and competence, continuity may help preserve institutional knowledge, strengthen coordination and support preparations for peaceful, credible and well organised elections,” the organisations stated.
They nevertheless stressed that any decision concerning the INEC Secretary’s tenure must be guided by the law and respect for the commission’s independence.
“The overriding considerations must remain legality, INEC’s independence and the integrity of the electoral process,” the statement added.
The coalition further called on political parties, civil society groups, the media and other stakeholders to protect public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral institutions through transparency, evidence-based engagement and respect for due process.
It emphasised that its position was not intended to shield INEC from criticism but to ensure that allegations against the commission were properly verified and that those concerned were given a fair opportunity to respond.
“Our position is not that INEC should be exempt from scrutiny, but that allegations must be verified and institutions given a fair opportunity to respond,” the statement said.
As preparations for the next general elections gather momentum, the organisations urged Nigerians to prioritise accountability, institutional stability and the rule of law in their engagement with electoral matters.
The coalition maintained that safeguarding the credibility of the electoral process required both effective oversight of INEC and responsible public discourse capable of strengthening, rather than weakening, democratic institutions.
