The Senate has confirmed the appointment of five Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on INEC during plenary on Wednesday, May 14.
The confirmed nominees are Umar Yusuf Garba, Sa’ad Umar Idris, Chukwuemeka Obeziako, Umar Mukhtar, and Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem. Their appointments were made in accordance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The committee, chaired by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South, affirmed that all nominees met the necessary qualifications for the role.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended both the senators and the committee for their swift consideration of the nominees, and praised President Bola Tinubu for submitting what he described as a strong list of candidates.
“Let me thank my colleagues, particularly the committee on INEC and electoral matters, for a job well done. I congratulate all the newly confirmed electoral commissioners,” Akpabio said.
“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.
“These are square pegs in square holes. I pray Almighty God grants them the wisdom to do justice, not only to politicians, but also to the Nigerian voter, so that every vote will count and no one will be shortchanged. I congratulate them and wish them well.”
Each of the newly confirmed commissioners is expected to serve a five-year term.
The nominations were first communicated by President Bola Tinubu in a letter to the Senate dated March 18, in which he wrote: “In compliance with the provision of section 154(1) of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the senate, the appointment of the following five (5) nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
He further clarified, “The distinguished senate is invited to note that this letter which supersedes my earlier one referenced pres134/2 dated 12th day of March is occasioned by my consideration and approval of the commissioner from Borno state for reappointed for a second term.”
