INEC Fires ‘Errant’ Sokoto REC From Guber Poll

BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Just days away from the Governorship and House of Assembly elections across the country, the Sokoto State Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Dr Nura Ali, has become the first casualty of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s threat to crack down on its negligent staff.

The hammer slammed on Ali is coming about 48 hours after the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, vowed that erring officials would not be part of the March 11 polls over actions that were tantamount to misconduct.

In a letter dated March 6, 2023, and signed by Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC directed its Administrative Secretary, Hauwa’u Kangiwa, to take full charge of the Sokoto office with immediate effect.

The letter said; “This is to inform you of the commission’s decision for you (Dr Nura Ali), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sokoto State, to stay away from the commission’s office in Sokoto State immediately until furthermore notice.

“The Administrative Secretary is directed to take full charge of INEC, Sokoto State office with immediate effect.”

Similarly, another letter told Kangiwa to liaise with the Supervisory National Commissioner, Professor Muhammad Sani Kala, for further clarifications, saying; “Please note that a National Commissioner (Major Gen. A. B. Alkali) and four (4) senior officials (names attached) are deployed to your State to assist you in the preparations and conduct of the forthcoming Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Election.”

Though none of the letters gave reasons for the latest action against the REC, it was reliably gathered that the conduct of INEC officials under Ali during the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state left so much to be desired with the National Assembly polls declared inconclusive, including the three senatorial districts, while the presidential election, won by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was marred by hitches.

With accusations and counter-accusations of poll rigging and acts capable of subverting the peoples’ will flying around between the ruling PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC), as the main opposition party in the state, insiders hinted that the elections, the first to be handled by the sacked REC since his appointment last year, witnessed what can be described as “a lot of hitches” that included late arrival of materials at polling units, and improper conduct of poorly trained ad-hoc staff.

According to the insider; “And you know Sokoto is a very difficult state when it comes to the conduct of elections. The state requires a highly experienced and capable hand to manage its elections. The controversy during the last election is the major reason the commissioner was asked to step down while a highly experienced team was deployed to manage Governorship and other elections in the state.”

On his part, a top INEC staff, who preferred anonymity since no one has been authorised to further comment on the development, disclosed that the leadership style of Dr Ali largely contributed to the lethargic behaviour of the Commission’s staff, who may have subtly work to sabotage his efforts on February 25.

Reports indicated that “the Sokoto REC was acting like a Sole Administrator leading to the breakdown of the INEC’s administrative structure in the state. For instance, there were no results of the National Assembly polls in Sokoto State, as the staff refused to cooperate with him, due to his perceived high-handedness.”

“To make matters worse, the axed REC failed to show any remorse or offer satisfactory explanations for the glaring inadequacies under his watch. So the Commission did not have any option than to direct the Commission’s Administrative Secretary in the state, Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa to immediately take charge and ensure the coming governorship and state assembly elections are conducted successfully”, an official further volunteered

In reading the riot act at a meeting with the RECs last weekend, the INEC boss, Prof Mahmoud said; “As we approach the governorship and state assembly elections, we must work harder to overcome the challenges experienced in the last election. Nothing else will be acceptable to Nigerians.

“All staff found to be negligent, whether they are regular or ad hoc officials, including collation and returning officers (ROs), must not be involved in forthcoming elections”.