The Coalition of Progressive Political Parties, CPPP, an umbrella organization for about 13 registered political parties in Nigeria, has condemned the call by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the acting chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Amina Zakari to be removed.
While affirming its support for the new INEC boss, The group called the PDP’s criticism as dangerous, irresponsible and inciting.
Zakari’s appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday drew sharp criticism from the PDP’s national publicity secretary, Olisah Metuh.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday and signed by the chairman of the coalition and national chairman of Peoples Democratic Movement, Bashir Ibrahim, the group decried what it described as “the dangerous precedent, whereby a political party is trying to decide for the country who becomes the INEC chairman.”
The CPPP said the appointment was constitutionally the preserve of the President and the National Assembly.
“Any interference by political parties in the appointment of INEC officials is tantamount to politicising the process and the commission itself, which is capable of creating dangerous schism in the commission and generating unnecessary tension in the country,” the statement read.
It added that INEC was an independent election management body which must be insulated from politics and irresponsible politicking.
“The power of and procedure for the appointment of the chairman of INEC is a constitutional matter and not subject of bargaining by political parties, especially those who are yet to come to terms with the fact that Nigeria is on a very strong change trajectory. INEC is also a regulator of political parties,” CPPP stated.
The coalition noted that Zakari was fit for the position as she was the most senior national commissioner going by her time of service at the commission.