The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially sworn in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), completing the filling of all REC vacancies across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Friday, May 30, was presided over by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. He used the occasion to issue a stern reminder to the new appointees to discharge their duties in line with Nigeria’s electoral legal framework.
“The conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty,” Yakubu told the newly inaugurated officials.
“As RECs, you are the representatives of the Commission in the various states to which you will be deployed shortly. The work of the commission is, to say the least, very challenging.”
Breakdown of appointments
Among the six sworn-in:
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Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram were reappointed for a second term, having completed their initial five-year tenure.
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Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris and Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi are career staff of the Commission elevated to REC positions.
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Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, a private legal practitioner, and Umar Yusuf Garba, an experienced hand from the private sector, are first-time appointees to the Commission.
Yakubu praised the collective experience of the appointees, saying their diverse backgrounds in election administration, law, and public affairs justified the confidence placed in them.
Mandate to uphold integrity
Reiterating INEC’s commitment to electoral credibility, the chairman emphasized that the RECs must always be guided by the law, the REC code of conduct, and INEC’s operational regulations.
“You must never act independently or think that you can violate the law, regulations, or defy the Commission without consequences. We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions,” Yakubu warned.
This development strengthens INEC’s administrative capacity as Nigeria gears up for several upcoming elections, including the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls in 2026 and the Anambra governorship election, for which preparations are underway.
Political stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the deployment and performance of the newly appointed RECs, particularly in states with a history of contentious electoral contests.
