The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sworn in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), filling all vacancies across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The ceremony took place at the INEC Conference Room in Abuja, overseen by the Commission’s Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The new RECs are Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem assigned to Cross River State, Mukhtar Umar Gajiram to Taraba State, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris to Gombe State, Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi to Ogun State, Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako to Abia State, and Umar Yusuf Garba to Sokoto State. Professor Yakubu highlighted that Sinikiem and Gajiram were reappointed for a second term, while the others bring a mix of electoral experience and private sector expertise.
Alongside the new appointments, INEC redeployed 11 existing RECs to different states. Among those redeployed are Aminu Idris to the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet to Kwara, Prof. Gabriel Yomeri to Rivers, Dr. Agundu Oliver Tersoo to Kogi, Mahmuda Isah to Zamfara, Mohammed Abubakar Sadio to Plateau, and Mohammed Bulama Nura to Adamawa. Others include Prof. Saidu Babura Ahmed to Kaduna, Umar Ibrahim to Bauchi, Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe to Bayelsa, and Obo Effanga to Akwa Ibom.
Professor Yakubu charged the RECs to adhere strictly to the electoral legal framework and uphold the code of conduct. He emphasized the sacred duty of conducting elections and reminded the commissioners that they represent INEC in their respective states. He urged them to engage transparently with stakeholders, hold regular consultative meetings, and be open to genuine criticism. Yakubu warned against defiance or indiscretion, stressing that the Commission would hold RECs accountable for their actions.
He also noted that the appointments are full-time responsibilities requiring leadership and effective supervision within the limits of their delegated powers. Yakubu added that redeployments are routine and that the full list of RECs and their postings would soon be made public on INEC’s website and social media platforms.
