The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally sworn in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to fill existing vacancies across the country, marking what Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu described as a “critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.”
The ceremony took place today at the INEC Conference Room in Abuja and was attended by key officials, including National Commissioners, Hon. Secretary to the Commission,Directors, and family members of the appointees.
In his remarks, Prof. Yakubu welcomed the new appointees, noting that their deployment completes the Commission’s staffing in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized the significance of their roles, describing the conduct of elections as not only a major responsibility but a “sacred duty.”
“Your appointment is a full-time and not part-time responsibility. You must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision,” the INEC Chairman stated. He reminded the new RECs of the need to operate within the confines of the law, uphold their oaths, and engage constructively with stakeholders while maintaining transparency and professionalism.
The newly sworn-in RECs include two returning appointees—Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram—who are beginning a second term, and four new REcs: Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris and Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, both former INEC staff; Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, a legal practitioner; and Umar Yusuf Garba, an experienced private sector administrator.
Prof. Yakubu further announced the deployment of the new RECs within their respective geopolitical zones—excluding their states of origin—as part of INEC’s policy to enhance neutrality and reduce conflicts of interest. A consequential redeployment of some serving RECs will also follow.
The occasion also saw the announcement of the timetable for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States. The Ekiti election is scheduled for June 20, 2026, with party primaries running from October 20 to November 10, 2025. The Osun election will follow on August 8, 2026, with primaries between November 24 and December 15, 2025. Full details have been made available on INEC’s official platforms.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in RECs, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude for the trust placed in them.
“This noble call to serve our great nation is one we do not take lightly,” he said. “We are fully aware that the credibility of elections rests not only on systems and structures but also on the character and commitment of those entrusted to manage them.”
Dr. Idris pledged unwavering loyalty to INEC’s guiding principles and the Nigerian Constitution. He assured stakeholders of their collective commitment to conducting elections with “utmost integrity, impartiality, and professionalism.”
He also expressed special appreciation to INEC Chairman Prof. Yakubu, calling him a visionary leader whose commitment to inclusivity and innovation continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The event also served as a solemn moment of reflection as Prof. Yakubu led attendees in observing a minute of silent prayer in memory of late retired Major General Abubakar Modibbo Alkali, a former Commissioner who passed away in April.
As Nigeria prepares for several key elections in the coming months—including bye-elections and the anticipated resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR)—today’s event signals a continued drive by INEC to fortify the electoral framework and foster public trust in democratic processes.
