Olusegun Ariyo
Prominent public commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has reacted to the appointment of Professor Juash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the process as a “one-man show” and a clear sign of political loyalty rather than competence.
In a post shared on his X handle on Thursday, Shehu expressed disbelief at what he called the “rubber-stamp confirmation” of the new INEC boss by the National Council of State, alleging that no member of the council would have the courage to oppose the president’s choice.
“This is not news at all. No member of the National Council of State will have the audacity, guts, temerity and liver to oppose the one-man-show nomination of the new INEC chairman,” Shehu wrote.
He sarcastically referred to the new appointee as a “Trusted Tinubu’s Appointee (TTA)”, advising him to immediately assume office without bothering about Senate confirmation.
“He should not bother about the Senate because they can’t oppose his nomination as they have been standing on a common mandate since 2015,” he said.
Continuing his criticism, Shehu urged the new chairman to act like a loyal servant to the president, suggesting that loyalty, not integrity, was what guaranteed such appointments.
“Immediately, he resumes, he should send his signature to all banks where INEC has accounts, ask for balances, review his budget by 500%, and begin to receive visitors from his zone, church, and donor agencies,” Shehu wrote mockingly.
He also advised him to “pre-record the results of the 2027 elections on a hypothetical basis as a sign of appreciation,” claiming such gestures would ensure endless approval of budgets and immunity from anti-graft agencies.
Shehu concluded by alleging that INEC chairmen under successive governments have been more loyal to the president than to the Nigerian people.
“Remember that all INEC appointees, particularly the chairman, must direct 100% of their loyalty to he who appoints them. They have no business pleasing Nigerians or respecting the Constitution and that shallow INEC Act,” he added.
He congratulated the new appointee, describing the position as a juicy appointment reserved only for those who can deliver.
