A top member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has raised alarm that Nigeria could face serious trouble if the federal government goes ahead with plans to make a retired Court of Appeal judge the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Galadima made this statement on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time show.

He said there were strong rumours that the government was planning to appoint the retired judge, whom he described as having a bad record and being “notorious.”

Galadima warned that if the man is eventually given the position, Nigeria could be thrown into chaos.
“By November, people are saying that this government wants to nominate a retired judge known for bad history as INEC chairman. I hope it is not true, because if it happens, Nigeria may face a civil war,” he said.

The NNPP leader also accused the government of ignoring the rule of law. He claimed that the current INEC leadership is already working in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He alleged that the current INEC boss was appointed because of his close ties to APC. According to him, the person once served as the secretary of APC and even represented the party in court before later being rewarded with the INEC job.

Galadima stressed that such actions destroy trust in the electoral process and put the nation at risk of instability.

He warned that if the controversial retired judge becomes INEC chairman, Nigerians should forget about free and fair elections. He said such a move would only bring confusion and possible unrest across the country.

Finally, he called on Nigerians to remain alert and ensure that no individual with a questionable past is allowed to take charge of the nation’s elections.