Tensions have surfaced regarding the succession of Festus Okoye as the National Commissioner from the South East zone at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
As Okoye’s five-year tenure concludes, reports suggest his interest in returning to INEC, sparking lobbying efforts. Influential groups are urging President Bola Tinubu to consider Okoye’s reappointment.
However, opposition has arisen from some civil society organizations (CSOs) critical of Okoye’s management of INEC’s communications during recent elections. They attribute widespread misinformation and inadequate voter education to his leadership.
Amidst this, CSOs and advocates for electoral integrity within the presidential circle are endorsing Professor Chris Ngwu, a Mass Communication expert from Enugu, as a potential replacement. The Presidency now faces a challenging decision given the competing interests and opinions.
There’s also a suggestion to rotate the position to Enugu State, Ngwu’s home state, following the precedent of previous appointments. Festus Okoye, hailing from Imo State, had succeeded Prof Ibano from Anambra State.
