The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially sworn in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to fill existing vacancies across the country, a development Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu described as a “critical step towards strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.”
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… pic.twitter.com/vXaeBtF4QM
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The ceremony took place today at the INEC Conference Room in Abuja and was attended by key officials, including National Commissioners, the Honourable Secretary to the Commission, Directors, and family members of the appointees.
In his address, Professor Yakubu welcomed the new appointees, noting that their deployment completes the Commission’s staffing across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He highlighted the importance of their roles, describing the conduct of elections as not merely a significant responsibility but a “sacred duty.”
“Your appointment is a full-time commitment, not a part-time role. You must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision,” the INEC Chairman asserted. He reminded the new RECs of the necessity to operate within the law, uphold their oaths, and engage constructively with stakeholders while maintaining transparency and professionalism.
Among those sworn in are two returning RECs Dr Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram who are commencing a second term, alongside four new appointees: 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.
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Professor 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 promote neutrality and minimise conflicts of interest.
The postings declared by Professor Yakubu were as follows: Dr Sa’ad Umar (Gombe State), Dr Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem (Cross River State), Mrs Feyijimi Ibiyemi (Ogun State), Mukhtar Umar Gajiram (Taraba State), Chukwuemeka C. Ibeziako (Abia State) and Umar Yusuf Garba (Sokoto State).
The event also included the announcement of the timetable for the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States. The Ekiti election is set for 20 June 2026, with party primaries scheduled from 20 October to 10 November 2025. The Osun election will follow on 8 August 2026, with primaries taking place between 24 November and 15 December 2025.
