The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Nigerian Senate to uphold its constitutional duty by subjecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to a rigorous and transparent screening process.
Speaking at a press conference at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja on Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, warned that Nigeria’s democracy was “on trial” and that the Senate must not act as a rubber stamp in the confirmation process.
President Tinubu had earlier forwarded the name of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) to the National Council of State for approval following the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure in October 2025. After receiving the Council’s endorsement, the nomination now awaits Senate confirmation.
Ologunagba stressed that while the president has the constitutional authority to nominate an INEC chairman, the Senate bears the ultimate responsibility of protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“The Senate must rise above partisanship and act as the last line of defence for democracy,” he said. “If the nominee is confirmed, it should only be because he is found worthy of rebuilding public trust and ensuring electoral transparency.”
He further stated that the PDP stands for strong democratic institutions, not powerful individuals, urging lawmakers to place national interest above political loyalty.
“When institutions are allowed to operate independently, individuals become secondary,” Ologunagba added. “That’s the principle we upheld when we were in power, and we expect the same from those in office today.”
‘The world is watching Nigeria’s next move’
Ologunagba cautioned that the stakes are high, not just domestically but globally, as the credibility of INEC will determine the confidence of the international community ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.
“INEC has enjoyed immense global support. The world is watching closely,” he said. “Nigerians are tired of excuses and inefficiency. Elections must now reflect true democratic values.”
PDP dismisses alleged defections, accuses APC of inducement
Addressing reports of mass defections from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ologunagba dismissed them as fabrications aimed at projecting disunity within the opposition.
According to him, the APC has resorted to financial inducements and intimidation to lure opposition lawmakers.
“These defections are not driven by ideology or principle,” he claimed. “They are induced—pure and simple. It’s the APC’s old tactic of coercion and harassment.”
Ologunagba maintained that defections will not affect the 2027 general elections, asserting that widespread insecurity, economic hardship, and governance failures would be the real issues shaping voters’ decisions.
“What matters in 2027 is not the number of decampees, but the pain Nigerians feel every day under this administration,” he said.
‘The PDP remains united and ready’
The PDP spokesman declared that the ruling party’s anxiety stems from the PDP’s growing unity and preparation ahead of its national convention.
“The APC is jittery because the PDP is reorganising and focused. Nigerians are yearning for change—and we represent that hope,” Ologunagba stated.
He concluded with a symbolic comparison:
“Nigerians have not decamped from hunger—but they certainly want to. And when they do, they’ll return to the PDP, the party of prosperity and the people.”
