INEC completes nationwide REC appointments as Yakubu swears in six officials.

By Divine Sam

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has officially sworn in six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). The inauguration ceremony took place on Friday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

With the induction of these six officials, INEC has now filled all REC vacancies across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Addressing the new appointees, Professor Yakubu emphasized the critical nature of their responsibilities, describing the role of RECs as both a significant duty and a sacred trust. He called on them to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by adhering strictly to the legal and ethical frameworks guiding the commission.

Among the new RECs are Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram, both reappointed for a second five-year term. Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris and Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, who are long-serving staff of the commission, also joined the ranks. In addition, the team includes Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, a private legal practitioner, and Umar Yusuf Garba, a professional from the private sector—both serving in INEC for the first time.

“Together, you bring a diverse wealth of experience in electoral administration and public service,” Yakubu stated. “As you begin your assignments, remain committed to the commission’s core values and always operate within the confines of the law and INEC’s operational guidelines.”

The INEC chairman reiterated the commission’s commitment to credible and transparent elections, urging the new RECs to contribute meaningfully to this mission.