Sokoto Government Defends Tinubu's INEC Nominee Amid Neutrality Dispute

The Sokoto State Government is defending President Bola Tinubu's nomination of Professor Mustapha Aliyu as an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner for the North-West. The state administration asserts the appointment is based on merit and professional capacity, dismissing claims that the nominee's family ties compromise his eligibility.

Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto, challenged the nomination by citing Section 156(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits INEC members from belonging to a political party. Dan’iya raised concerns regarding Aliyu's maternal relationship with Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu and alleged ties to the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling for a rigorous Senate screening to verify the nominee's neutrality.

Faruku Labbo, Special Adviser to the governor, rejected these objections, stating that while Professor Aliyu is the governor's brother, he holds no position within the APC. The government maintains that family relationships do not constitute a constitutional disqualification. President Tinubu announced the nomination on October 16, 2026, alongside other commissioners including Bashir Umar, Dr Bala Bila, and Oluwatoyin Babalola. The appointments currently await Senate confirmation.