ABUJA, Nigeria – Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has raised strong objections to what he described as federal government plans to appoint a recently retired Court of Appeal judge as the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday, September 15, 2025, Galadima described the alleged nominee as “notorious” and warned that such a move could plunge the country into crisis.
“Come November, there are rumours all over the place that this government is nominating a just-retired Court of Appeal judge who is known for notoriety to be the chairman of INEC,” Galadima said.
“I wish it is not true. Because if that man becomes the chairman of INEC, be rest assured that this government is inviting a civil war in this country.”
The NNPP stalwart also criticised the current INEC leadership, claiming the commission has been compromised in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He alleged that the current chairman had previously served as secretary of the APC and represented the party in court before being rewarded with the electoral body’s top job.
“The INEC chairman has already rigged the election for APC. They brought somebody who was the secretary of the party that went to court for APC as acting national chairman, and he was rewarded with the chairmanship of INEC,” Galadima said.
He warned that allowing individuals with controversial records to head Nigeria’s electoral commission could undermine the integrity of elections and destabilise the country.
“If this man is appointed INEC chairman, then forget about elections in Nigeria. Because there would be no elections in this country, and it will create chaos,” he cautioned.
Galadima called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and oppose the appointment of partisan or compromised figures to sensitive electoral positions.
“We must not allow people with known reputations for injustice or partisanship to be in charge of our elections. The credibility of our democracy depends on it,” he said.
