By Janet Samuel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday swore in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), officially filling all vacancies across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The ceremony, held at INEC Headquarters in Abuja, also featured the formal unveiling of the timetable for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, welcomed the new RECs and acknowledged the presence of two newly sworn-in National Commissioners—Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja (South East) and Abdulrazak Tukur Yusuf (North West). He also paid tribute to the late Major General Abubakar Modibbo Alkali (rtd), a former National Commissioner who died in April, describing him as “a conscientious officer who diligently served the nation.” A minute of silence was observed in his honor, along with other deceased INEC personnel.
Professor Yakubu said the event marked two significant milestones: the inauguration of the new RECs and the release of the governorship election timetable for Ekiti and Osun. Congratulating the appointees, he praised their diverse backgrounds in public service and electoral administration.
Among them, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram were reappointed for a second term. Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris and Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi are veteran INEC staff, while Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako and Umar Yusuf Garba bring private sector and legal expertise to the Commission.
Professor Yakubu emphasized the critical nature of their roles, urging them to operate strictly within the law, INEC guidelines, and their oath of office. “Do not betray your oath of office,” he cautioned, stressing accountability, stakeholder engagement, prudent resource management, and full-time commitment to duty.
Announcing their deployment, Professor Yakubu said Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris has been posted to Gombe State, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem to Cross River, Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi to Ogun, Mukhtar Umar Gajiram to Taraba, Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako to Abia, and Umar Yusuf Garba to Sokoto. He explained that the postings align with INEC’s tradition of assigning RECs within their geopolitical zones but outside their states of origin, and added that a consequential redeployment of some serving RECs was conducted administratively, with the updated list to be published on INEC’s website and social media platforms.
