Michael Ani

For the American writer, musician and explorer, see Michael Stuart Ani.

Michael Ani
Chairman of the Federal Electoral Commission
In office
15 November 1976 – 1979
Preceded byEyo Esua
Succeeded byVictor Ovie Whisky
Personal details
Born30 November 1917
Cross River State, Nigeria
Died18 December 1985 (age 68)[1]

Michael Ani listenⓘ (30 November 1917 – 18 December 1985) was chairman of the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) established by General Olusegun Obasanjo to conduct elections leading to the Nigerian Second Republic, which was inaugurated on 1 October 1979. He held office from 1976 to 1979.[2]

Michael Ani was a civil servant. In 1966 he had been appointed a Commissioner by Ironsi to assist in reviewing unification of the regional public services.[3] His 1976 appointment followed his retirement from the Civil Service. The functions of his 24-man Federal Electoral Commission established on 15 November 1976 included the conduct of elections, delimitation of constituencies and registration of political parties.[4] The August 1979 presidential election was won by Alhaji Shehu Shagari, although his victory was disputed since it was based on Ani's interpretation of the ambiguous electoral decree which said "a candidate must obtain one quarter of votes cast in at least two thirds of the states of the federation".[5]

  1. ^ Nigeria Year Book. Nigeria: Times Press. 1987.
  2. ^ Imam Imam (9 June 2010). "Past INEC Chairmen". ThisDay. Retrieved 10 June 2010.
  3. ^ Max Siollun (2009). Oil, politics and violence: Nigeria's military coup culture (1966–1976). Algora Publishing. p. 76. ISBN 978-0-87586-708-3.
  4. ^ Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere, Timothy M. Shaw (1998). Illusions of power: Nigeria in transition. Africa World Press. p. 88. ISBN 0-86543-642-8.
  5. ^ Muyiwa Oyinlola (2 May 2010). "From Esua to Iwu, who will rescue Nigeria?". Nigerian Compass.