INEC Swears-in New RECs, Signals Commitment to Enhanced Electoral Credibility
By Usman A Harande
INEC Takes Major Step Towards Strengthening Electoral Process with Swearing-in of New RECs
Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move to fortify Nigeria’s electoral framework, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sworn in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to fill existing vacancies across the country. The ceremony, held at the INEC Conference Room in Abuja, was attended by top officials, including National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, Directors, and family members of the appointees.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, described the swearing-in ceremony as a “critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.” He emphasized the importance of the new RECs’ roles, noting that the conduct of elections is not only a major responsibility but a “sacred duty.” Prof. Yakubu urged the new appointees to operate within the confines of the law, uphold their oaths, and engage constructively with stakeholders while maintaining transparency and professionalism.
The newly sworn-in RECs include two returning appointees, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram, and four new RECs: Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, and Umar Yusuf Garba. Prof. Yakubu announced the deployment of the new RECs within their respective geopolitical zones, excluding their states of origin, as part of INEC’s policy to enhance neutrality and reduce conflicts of interest.
The occasion also saw the announcement of the timetable for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States. The Ekiti election is scheduled for June 20, 2026, with party primaries running from October 20 to November 10, 2025. The Osun election will follow on August 8, 2026, with primaries between November 24 and December 15, 2025. Full details have been made available on INEC’s official platforms.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in RECs, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris pledged unwavering loyalty to INEC’s guiding principles and the Nigerian Constitution. He assured stakeholders of their collective commitment to conducting elections with “utmost integrity, impartiality, and professionalism.”
As Nigeria prepares for several key elections in the coming months, including bye-elections and the anticipated resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), today’s event signals a continued drive by INEC to fortify the electoral framework and foster public trust in democratic processes. The swearing-in of the new RECs is a significant step towards enhancing the credibility of the electoral process, and Nigerians are eagerly watching as the commission works to deliver on its promise of transparent and professional elections.
The new RECs are expected to provide leadership and exercise effective supervision in their respective states.
INEC’s policy of deploying RECs outside their states of origin aims to enhance neutrality and reduce conflicts of interest.
The commission has announced the timetable for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by top INEC officials, including National Commissioners and Directors.
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