INEC Chairperson Explains Why She Is Still The Head After Expiration Of Her Tenure

The acting Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Amina Zakari, has explained why she still leads the electoral body after the expiration of her tenure as a National Commissioner.

Ms. Zakari, whose tenure as National Commissioner expired July 21, was appointed acting chairperson of INEC by President Muhammadu Buhari following the retirement of Attahiru Jega, who had earlier handed over to Ahmed Wali, on June 30.

Speaking Friday, Ms. Zakari said while her tenure had earlier expired, she was appointed anew by President Buhari in an acting capacity.

“My tenure would have expired on July 21st but my letter of appointment as Acting Chairman claimed categorically I should act pending when a new (substantive Chairman of the) Commission is put in place,” she said.

On the controversy surrounding her appointment, Ms. Zakari stated, “I think we should not distract ourselves from the issues at hand, I have been in the Commission, I am a National Commissioner, I passed through the Senate screening to become a National Commissioner, and by virtue of that I am appointed Acting Chairman in the Commission.

“So there shouldn’t have been much controversy. But be it as may I have a job to do and I am set out to that job”.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party had questioned her appointment, accusing Mr. Buhari of favouritism.

Meanwhile, the INEC chief has restated the Commission’s commitment to continue deploying technology to Nigerian electoral process with a view to achieving improved performance.