BREAKING: ‎INEC Must Deliver Free And Fair Election Otherwise The Consequences Will Be Disastrous — Baba-Ahmed

In a recent interview with Daily Independent on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, has stressed that the Independent National Electoral Commission must conduct a free, fair, and credible election in 2027, warning that failure to meet this standard could lead to very serious consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.

‎He explained that the credibility of elections is not optional but essential, according to him, no matter the actions of politicians or those in power, INEC has a duty to remain neutral and transparent, he said the survival of the democratic system depends heavily on how well the electoral body performs its responsibilities.

‎Baba-Ahmed drew from his experience as a former secretary of INEC, he said that during his time, the position of secretary was very influential within the commission and explained that the structure of INEC then included a chairman, national commissioners, and state commissioners, all working together under clearly defined roles.

‎He noted that the secretary played a key administrative and coordinating role, ensuring that the system functioned effectively, this, he said, helped maintain discipline and accountability within the institution and suggested that strong internal leadership and clear responsibility were part of what helped protect the credibility of elections at the time.

‎He stated that for 2027, INEC must rise to the same level of integrity and firmness, he said Nigerians expect credible elections, and anything less could damage public trust and stability in the country.

‎”INEC must deliver a free and fair and credible election in 2027. Otherwise, the consequences will be too disastrous to contemplate. I was secretary of INEC. And at that time, the secretary of INEC was a very powerful person. You had a chairman,” he said.