The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, on Friday administered the oath of office to six newly appointed Resident Electoral Officers (RECs), urging them to uphold integrity and adhere strictly to electoral laws.
“As you assume or resume duty, I urge you to focus on your responsibilities,” Yakubu said. “Let me make it clear from the outset that you must at all times be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs, as well as the regulations and guidelines governing the Commission’s operations.”
“Above all, you must always act in good conscience. Do not betray your oath of office,” he added, emphasizing the importance of transparency and regular engagement with stakeholders.
The new RECs include returning officials Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram, alongside long-serving INEC staff Sa’ad Umar Idris and Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi. Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako and Umar Yusuf Garba, both from the private sector, are joining INEC for the first time.
With these appointments, Yakubu confirmed that all REC positions across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT are now filled.
He also announced the dates for the next governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states. Ekiti will vote on June 20, 2026, with party primaries scheduled for October 20 to November 10, 2025. In Osun, the election is set for August 8, 2026, with primaries from November 24 to December 15, 2025.
“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections have been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for the guidance of political parties and public information,” Yakubu noted.
He further addressed public concerns about delayed bye-elections and the suspension of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), stating: “The number of bye-elections has now risen to 17… We are finalising our preparations for both activities, the details of which will soon be made public.”
