The question of whether sitting governors should accept roles within an electoral body like INEC touches on the core issue of institutional independence. From a governance perspective, having an active politician hold any position within the agency responsible for overseeing elections naturally raises concerns about impartiality, even if the appointment is meant to be symbolic or advisory. While supporters might argue that such roles encourage collaboration between the government and election officials, the optics alone can undermine public trust in the neutrality of the electoral process. Governor Amuneke's decision to turn down the appointment seems like a prudent move to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, which is vital for maintaining the credibility of our democratic institutions. Ultimately, for elections to be viewed as free and fair, there needs to be a clear and visible separation between those who contest elections and the body responsible for organizing them.