INEC Swears In Six New Resident Electoral Commissioners, Announces Dates for Ekiti and Osun Governorship Polls

Abuja, Nigeria – May 30, 2025

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally sworn in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to fill existing vacancies across the country, in what 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 attended by National Commissioners, the Hon. Secretary to the Commission, Directors, and family members of the newly appointed RECs.

In his address, Prof. Yakubu welcomed the appointees, stating that their deployment completes the Commission’s staffing across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized that the role of REC is a full-time commitment, not a part-time responsibility, and described the conduct of elections as a “sacred duty.”

“You must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision. You are expected to operate within the law, uphold your oath of office, and engage stakeholders with transparency and professionalism,” Yakubu charged the new officials.

Meet the New RECs

Among the six appointees are two returning RECs:

• Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem
• Mukhtar Umar Gajiram

Four new members were also sworn in:

• Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, a former INEC staff
• Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, also a former INEC official
• Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, a legal practitioner
• Umar Yusuf Garba, a seasoned private sector administrator

In line with INEC’s internal policies aimed at ensuring neutrality, all RECs were deployed to states outside their states of origin. The INEC Chairman also announced a consequential redeployment of some serving RECs.

Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections Timetable Released

In a major announcement during the ceremony, Prof. Yakubu unveiled the timetable for the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

• Ekiti State Governorship Election: June 20, 2026
  • Party primaries: October 20 – November 10, 2025
• Osun State Governorship Election: August 8, 2026
  • Party primaries: November 24 – December 15, 2025

Details of the timetable have been made available on INEC’s official platforms.

A Call to Serve with Integrity

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in commissioners, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed their collective commitment to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.

“This noble call to serve our great nation is one we do not take lightly,” Dr. Idris said. “We are fully aware that the credibility of elections rests not only on systems and structures but also on the character and commitment of those entrusted to manage them.”

He praised Prof. Yakubu’s leadership, describing him as a visionary who has fostered inclusivity and innovation in the Commission.

A Moment of Reflection

The event also included a moment of silence in memory of late retired Major General Abubakar Modibbo Alkali, a former INEC Commissioner who passed away in April.

As Nigeria gears up for a series of important electoral activities, including bye-elections and the anticipated resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), today’s development marks a key effort by INEC to reinforce public confidence and institutional capacity ahead of 2026.