Why I showed interest in INEC job – Abati

Femi Fabunmi

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has revealed that despite openly expressing his interest in becoming the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), no one has reached out to him or requested his curriculum vitae.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Abati noted that the tenure of the current INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who was first appointed in 2015, has officially ended after serving two terms.

He emphasized that the focus should now shift to the future of the electoral body and the appointment of a competent successor, rather than basing the decision on regional considerations.

“I said previously on this program that some people believe it’s now the turn of the Southwest, that the next INEC chairman should come from there.

But I maintain that it should be about competence — about who is the best person for the job,” Abati stated.

He explained that his earlier declaration of interest was partly humorous but also a reflection of his belief that he could make a difference if given the opportunity.

“I even proposed myself as a possible chairman of INEC and said I would do a good job because we need to get elections right in this country. But apparently, nobody has asked for my CV since that time. That’s Nigeria. But if they give me the job, I will do it,” he said.

Abati’s remarks have sparked renewed discussion on the process of selecting the INEC Chairman, with many stakeholders emphasizing the need for transparency and merit in appointing the next leader of Nigeria’s electoral body.