The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday swore in six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to fill existing vacancies across the country, in what the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, described as a “critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.”
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the INEC Conference Room in Abuja, was witnessed by top officials of the Commission, including National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, Directors, and family members of the appointees.
In his address, Prof. Yakubu underscored the importance of the appointments, noting that the new additions bring the Commission’s full complement of RECs across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The conduct of elections is not only a major responsibility but also a sacred duty,” he said, reminding the appointees of the magnitude of their assignments.
“Your appointment is a full-time and not part-time responsibility. You must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision,” he added.
He charged the new RECs to remain within the bounds of the law, uphold their oaths of office, and engage stakeholders transparently and professionally.
Among those sworn in were two returning RECs—Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram—who are beginning their second term. The other four are 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, a seasoned private sector administrator.
As part of the Commission’s internal policy to promote neutrality and minimize potential conflicts of interest, Prof. Yakubu announced that the new RECs have been deployed outside their states of origin, but within their respective geopolitical zones.
The deployment list includes:
Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris to Gombe State
Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem to Cross River State
Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi to Ogun State
Mukhtar Umar Gajiram to Taraba State
Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako to Abia State
Umar Yusuf Garba to Sokoto State
During the event, the INEC Chairman also announced the timetable for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
The Ekiti State governorship election will hold on June 20, 2026, with party primaries slated between October 20 and November 10, 2025. The Osun State election is scheduled for August 8, 2026, while party primaries are expected to run from November 24 to December 15, 2025.
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