Atiku wants INEC to clarify reports that the contract to print sensitive material was awarded to Tinubu’s ally Chagouri

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to confirm or deny reports that Hitech or companies associated with it have been awarded contracts to print sensitive materials for the 2027 elections.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Sunday by ADC Presidential Campaign Council Director of Strategic Communications, Phrank Shaibu, called on the election umpire to reveal the companies contracted to produce sensitive materials for the 2027 elections, and warned that secrecy surrounding the printing of ballot papers and the appointment of key personnel could undermine public confidence in the election.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) questioned the possibility of Hitech or related companies getting contracts to produce sensitive election materials, citing publicly reported business ties between the Chagoury family, owners of Hitech, and the Tinubu family.

The electoral body has set January 16, 2027 for the presidential and National Assembly elections and February 6, 2027 for the governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

He said information he obtained indicated that more than half of INEC’s sensitive election materials, including presidential voting materials, may have been allocated to a company believed to be based in France, whose identity and credentials have not been disclosed to the public.

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He also expressed concern over reports that Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc may be responsible for printing election materials in only 15 to 17 states, with the rest being handled by private companies.

“These reports demand urgent and unequivocal answers. INEC must confirm or deny these reports and publish the names of each company involved, the materials and status assigned to each company, procurement methods, security clearances obtained and safeguards governing production, storage and delivery.

“Nigerians should not have to rely on unnamed sources to know who cast their votes,” he said.

The former deputy president linked the controversy to broader concerns about the independence of the electoral body under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He argued that the government’s handling of large contracts and reported changes in INEC could raise suspicions of political interference if the commission fails to provide satisfactory explanations.

“INEC’s integrity in the upcoming elections will be seriously threatened if Hitech or companies associated with it are awarded contracts to produce sensitive election materials,” he said.

He urged the commission to reveal the identity of the company awarded the contract, especially if the printing was not handled by the NSPMC.

Atiku called for greater reliance on quality domestic security printing capacity, arguing that every ballot paper, election results sheet and other election-sensitive documents must be accounted for through a transparent chain of custody.

He expressed concern over the printing of higher denomination banknotes by foreign companies, and urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to disclose its current printing arrangements and clarify the role of the NSPMC and any foreign contractors.

Atiku also expressed concern regarding recent personnel changes within the electoral commission, particularly in the department responsible for election administration and technology.

The statement cited reports that Isa Magaji Gum has been transferred from Election Operations to the Voter Registration Department, while Mrs Oluyemi Titilayo Adeyemi-Showunmi has been appointed to head Election Operations. Dr Lawrence Bayode was also appointed as head of Information and Communications Technology.

Atiku said INEC must explain the circumstances surrounding the changes and demonstrate that the decision was based on expediency and due process, without political interference.

“These departments are at the heart of election administration. INEC must explain these decisions, publicize the criteria applied and demonstrate that every appointment and reinstatement follows due process, is based on merit and is free from political interference. Nigerians will not accept vague assurances on these serious issues,” he said.

However, he cautioned against assuming that any official was compromised because of ethnicity, background or personal relationships, and stressed that the commission has a responsibility to address legitimate concerns through verifiable disclosures.