Atiku – As preparations ramp up for the 2027 general elections, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately publish the identities of all private firms contracted to print sensitive voting materials.
Raising concerns over transparency, Atiku questioned recent reports suggesting that a significant share of sensitive election materials, including ballot papers, might be handled by foreign or private contractors rather than exclusively by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPMC).
Demanding Transparency on Ballot Printing Contracts
In a statement released through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku stressed that Nigerians deserve clear facts rather than relying on unconfirmed sources.
- > “These reports demand urgent and unequivocal answers. INEC must confirm or deny them and publish the names of every company engaged, the materials and states assigned to each, the procurement method, the security clearances obtained and the safeguards governing production, storage and delivery,” Atiku stated.
- > He specifically challenged INEC to clarify reports linking companies such as Hitech—or associated entities with ties to the administration—to the production of sensitive materials. Atiku warned that failing to provide transparent accounts could erode public trust and cast doubt on the commission’s independence ahead of the 2027 polls. Additionally, he called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to offer clarity regarding current banknote printing contracts involving domestic and foreign partners.
Controversy Over Strategic Staff Redeployments
Alongside the contract queries, the former vice-president and the ADC raised alarm over recent administrative shakeups and staff redeployments within critical departments of the electoral body, such as Electoral Operations, the Voter Registry, and Information Technology (ICT).
The ADC noted specific concerns regarding the movement of personnel in strategic units, emphasizing that the electoral commission must ensure all appointments reflect merit and strict adherence to due process rather than regional or political bias. While clarifying that officials should not be prejudged based on background, the party insisted that proactive, evidence-based explanations are vital to protect the impartiality of Globalpulsealert readers and the wider Nigerian electorate.
INEC has yet to issue a formal comprehensive rebuttal addressing the specific procurement breakdowns and regional staffing claims, leaving political stakeholders watching closely for how the electoral umpire will handle the mounting calls for transparency.
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