PAJUD Accuses Mike Igini of Political Grandstanding, Defends Tinubu, Amupitan
The Progressives Alliance for Justice, Unity and Democracy (PAJUD) has accused former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, of attempting to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the electoral body, describing his criticisms as politically motivated.
The group, in a statement signed by its Country Representative, Comrade Yakubu Dan Abba, alleged that Igini was seeking to regain public relevance through persistent criticism of the government and the leadership of INEC under its current chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan
The group maintained that Tinubu was not responsible for Igini’s non-appointment as INEC chairman or national commissioner after completing his tenure as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, arguing that such appointments were subject to established criteria, vacancies and rotation arrangements among states within geopolitical zones.
“Those who know President Bola Ahmed Tinubu closely know he is a leader who does not deliberately shut the door against competence and capacity,” the statement said.
The group further alleged that Igini’s criticisms were intended to undermine the current administration and INEC’s leadership in anticipation of political rewards from opposition elements following the 2027 general elections.
PAJUD also questioned Igini’s record during his service as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, citing past disagreements with political actors and what it described as controversies surrounding his conduct in office.
It also raised questions about the cost and circumstances of the live television broadcast of Igini’s exit from office in Akwa Ibom State, comparing the event with the departures of previous INEC chairmen and other senior electoral officials.
In another allegation, PAJUD called on Igini to address what it described as concerns surrounding the engagement of a Kenyan national as an INEC consultant and the alleged compromise of Nigerian voters’ fingerprint data. The statement, however, did not present evidence establishing that Igini was personally responsible for any compromise of the data.
The alliance accused opposition politicians of attempting to discredit the electoral system ahead of the 2027 elections, alleging that some former electoral officials were being used to advance political interests. It did not identify the individuals allegedly involved or provide evidence supporting the claim.
PAJUD, meanwhile, expressed confidence in the ability of the current INEC leadership to conduct credible, transparent, free and fair elections in 2027.
It said the Tinubu administration remained committed to protecting the integrity of the ballot, adding that the president had nominated individuals it described as capable, patriotic and committed to the country’s democratic development.
The group urged Igini to refrain from what it characterised as inflammatory criticism of the president and the electoral commission, insisting that public discourse on electoral reform should be guided by responsibility and respect for democratic institutions.
Quoting former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the alliance recalled his statement of April 28, 1951, that it was “mean and cowardly” for any group to seek public approval by belittling and condemning others.
PAJUD concluded by urging Nigerians to remain confident in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, while reiterating its support for the Tinubu administration and the current leadership of INEC.
