Shehu Sani: INEC Chairmanship most difficult job in Nigeria

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has described the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as one of the most challenging positions in Nigeria, marked by constant criticism regardless of performance.

In a post on his X handle, Sani said whoever occupies the office inevitably becomes a target of attacks from political actors across divides, noting that the trend has persisted from the era of FEDECO and NEC to the present INEC structure.

“Chairing INEC is one of the most uncomfortable jobs in the country. Whoever finds himself on that seat will have to receive missiles from the beginning to the end,” he said.

He recalled that former INEC chairman, Maurice Iwu, faced intense criticism during his tenure, adding that public reactions to electoral outcomes are often shaped by regional and political interests.

Sani cited the experience of Attahiru Jega, who was vilified in parts of the North after declaring Goodluck Jonathan winner of the 2011 presidential election, but later praised when Muhammadu Buhari was declared winner in 2015.

According to him, former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu is now out of office, while the current chairman, Joash Amupitan, has become the latest subject of public criticism.

“The only person in our country who has ever agreed he lost election was GEJ. Our politics is that of you either win or you fight,” Sani added.

He argued that Nigeria’s political culture often places electoral umpires under pressure, stressing that even an impartial individual would struggle to gain universal acceptance.

“Appoint an angel as INEC chairman, he can only be safe in the hands of those who won,” he said.