The Progressives Alliance for Justice, Unity and Democracy (PAJUD) has accused former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, of pursuing a political agenda, while defending President Bola Tinubu and the current leadership of the electoral body.
The group made the allegations in a statement signed by its Country Representative, Comrade Yakubu Dan Abba, titled “The Fallacies of Mike Igini.”
PAJUD alleged that Igini’s criticisms of the government and the INEC leadership were motivated by personal interests and dissatisfaction over his failure to secure a higher appointment within the commission.
The group, however, did not provide independent evidence to substantiate its claims.
Addressing the issue of Igini’s possible appointment as INEC chairman or national commissioner, PAJUD argued that such appointments were subject to established criteria, including the availability of vacancies and the principles guiding representation among states within geopolitical zones.
It maintained that President Tinubu should not be blamed for Igini’s non-appointment, insisting that the president had not deliberately excluded competent individuals from public service.
The group also defended the leadership of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, accusing unnamed political interests of attempting to undermine the electoral commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
PAJUD alleged that some opposition figures were engaging former electoral officials to discredit the government and the current INEC leadership. It did not identify the individuals allegedly involved or present evidence supporting the allegation.
The organisation further questioned Igini’s record as a former Resident Electoral Commissioner in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, citing past controversies and disagreements involving political parties.
It also raised questions about the reported lavish send-off organised for Igini at the end of his tenure in Akwa Ibom State, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the event warranted public scrutiny.
The group called on the former electoral commissioner to address concerns surrounding his time in office rather than focus on criticising the government and the electoral commission.
PAJUD also referred to allegations concerning the engagement of a Kenyan national as an INEC consultant and the alleged compromise of Nigerian voters’ fingerprint data. However, the statement did not provide documentary evidence establishing Igini’s personal responsibility for any such breach.
The group urged Igini to engage in non-partisan public discourse and avoid statements it described as inflammatory, arguing that public confidence in electoral institutions was essential to the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
On the 2027 general elections, PAJUD expressed confidence that the country would conduct credible, transparent, free and fair polls.
It praised President Tinubu for the appointments made to the electoral management structure and said the administration remained committed to protecting the integrity of the ballot.
The organisation also urged political actors and former electoral officials to exercise restraint in their public comments, warning that unsubstantiated allegations could undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
PAJUD concluded by calling on Igini to refrain from what it described as political mudslinging against the president and the electoral commission.
The statement represents the position of PAJUD. The allegations against Igini have not been independently established, and his response was not included in the statement.