…Prof. Yakubu Describes the Appointment as a Sacred Duty to the Nation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process with the formal swearing-in of six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), while also unveiling the official timetable for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
The ceremony, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, was presided over by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and witnessed by National Commissioners, the Hon. Secretary to the Commission, Directors, and family members of the newly appointed RECs.
Describing the swearing-in as a “critical milestone in fortifying electoral administration across the country,” Prof. Yakubu welcomed the appointees and emphasized the gravity of their new responsibilities.
“Your appointment is a full-time and not part-time responsibility. You must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision. The conduct of elections is not just a major responsibility but a sacred duty,” he declared.
The six appointees include two reappointed Commissioners—Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram, now commencing their second terms—and four new RECs: Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris and Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, both former INEC staff members; Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, a seasoned legal practitioner; and Umar Yusuf Garba, an experienced administrator from the private sector.
In accordance with INEC policy to preserve neutrality and reduce local bias, the newly sworn-in RECs were deployed outside their states of origin, with the following postings announced:
- Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris – Gombe State
- Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem – Cross River State
- Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi – Ogun State
- Mukhtar Umar Gajiram – Taraba State
- Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako – Abia State
- Umar Yusuf Garba – Sokoto State
Prof. Yakubu urged the new Commissioners to operate strictly within the provisions of the law, uphold their oath of office, and maintain transparent, professional, and stakeholder-inclusive engagements in the course of their duties.
2026 Governorship Elections Timetable Unveiled
In a related development, Prof. Yakubu also announced the timetable and schedule of activities for the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections, marking an early start to the political calendar ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
- Ekiti Governorship Election – June 20, 2026
- Party primaries: October 20 to November 10, 2025
- Osun Governorship Election – August 8, 2026
- Party primaries: November 24 to December 15, 2025
These dates are in line with the constitutional provision mandating that elections must be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of a governor’s tenure.
RECs Pledge Unwavering Loyalty to INEC Mandate
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in Commissioners, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing appreciation for the confidence reposed in them.
“This noble call to serve our great nation is one we do not take lightly. We understand that the credibility of elections rests not only on systems and structures but also on the character and commitment of those entrusted with their conduct,” Dr. Idris remarked.
He reaffirmed the group’s allegiance to the Constitution, INEC’s core values, and the principles of impartiality, integrity, and transparency, while also commending the INEC Chairman for his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of innovation in the electoral space.
The event also featured a solemn moment of reflection as Prof. Yakubu led attendees in observing a minute of silence in honour of the late retired Major General Abubakar Modibbo Alkali, a former Commissioner who passed away in April.
