Critics contend that allowing a sitting President—who doubles as a candidate—to appoint the leadership of the electoral body creates an inherent, inescapable conflict of interest. Under Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President nominates the INEC Chairman and National Commissioners. Critics contend that allowing a sitting President—who doubles as a candidate—to appoint the leadership of the electoral body creates an inherent, inescapable conflict of interest. Controversial Executive Appointments: Public scrutiny has deepened over presidential appointments to key positions within the electoral commission, including instances where individuals with direct personal, political, or legal ties to the President—such as his former personal lawyer—have been appointed to the commission. Expecting opposition parties or the public to view an electoral body as impartial when its top officials owe their positions to the executive directly undermines public trust before voting begins.