In a strategic push to strengthen the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of forthcoming polls, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted nominations for six key vacancies, including four national commissioners and two resident electoral commissioners (RECs).
The announcement was conveyed on Friday through a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. All nominated candidates must undergo screening and receive clearance from the Senate prior to assuming their duties.
Among those selected for national commissioner roles is Professor Mustapha Aliu, slated to represent the North-West zone as the successor to Professor Abdullahi Zuru. For the North-Central region, Bashir Muhammed Umar has been put forward to step into the role being vacated by Professor Muhammad Adamu.
For the South-West vacancy, the President selected Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the current Osun State REC. She is positioned to replace Professor Cornelius Ajayi, whose tenure wraps up on October 24.
The changes also affect state leadership, with fresh appointments put forward for two states. Dr. Samuel Akinjide Akinleye, a retired permanent secretary, has been designated as the incoming REC for Ekiti State, while Zahradden Basiru Sanusi was tapped to take over the Jigawa State post from Professor Saidu Ahmed Babura.
Highlighting the critical need for administrative readiness before future ballots, President Tinubu has appealed to the upper legislative chamber to fast-track the vetting and confirmation process. The focus now shifts to the Senate, whose deliberations will determine when the newly selected officials can officially join the nation’s electoral body.
