By Abbanobi-Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
The Nigerian Senate has on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of five Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The confirmed nominees are: Umar Yusuf Garba, Sa’ad Umar Idris, Chukwuemeka Obeziako, Umar Mukhtar and Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem
Each of the RECs will serve a five-year term. The appointments were made in accordance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to appoint electoral commissioners subject to Senate approval.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had forwarded the names of the nominees to the Senate in a letter dated March 18, 2025, seeking legislative confirmation. The Senate Committee on INEC, chaired by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, had screened the nominees and found them qualified for the positions.
The Senate approved the nominations by voice vote following a brief debate. Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the chamber and the INEC Committee for their swift work, praising President Tinubu for submitting a quality list of nominees.
“I congratulate all the newly confirmed electoral commissioners. I wish them success as they take on the responsibilities of INEC, and urge them to act fairly and equitably to promote democracy and ensure justice for all.”
The confirmation of these RECs is expected to enhance the effectiveness of INEC in conducting future elections. The newly appointed RECs are set to assume duties ahead of upcoming off-cycle elections and other electoral activities nationwide.
