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Swears-in Six New Resident Electoral Commissioners
- Safiu Kehinde
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced date for the 2026 governorship election in Osun and Ekiti states.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
According to Mahmood, Osun state will be going to poll on the 8th of August, 2026 while Ekiti State governorship election will hold on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
While party primaries ahead of Ekiti election will run from October 20 to November 10, 2025, Osun State primaries will run between November 24 and December 15, 2025.
Mahmood also revealed that the Commission is finalising preparations for bye-elections to fill vacant seats in both the National and State Houses of Assembly.
Speaking on the swearing-in ceremony, the INEC boss described it as a “critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.”
The ceremony which took place at the INEC Conference Room in Abuja was attended by key officials, including National Commissioners, Hon. Secretary to the Commission, Directors, and family members of the appointees.
The newly sworn-in RECs, according to a statement issued on the commission’s Facebook page, include two returning appointees—Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram—who are beginning a second term.
Others include Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris and Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, both former INEC staff; Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, a legal practitioner; and Umar Yusuf Garba, an experienced private sector administrator.
In his remarks, Mahmood emphasized the significance of REC’s roles, describing the conduct of elections as not only a major responsibility but a “sacred duty.”
“Your appointment is a full-time and not part-time responsibility. You must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision,” the INEC Chairman stated.
He reminded the new RECs of the need to operate within the confines of the law, uphold their oaths, and engage constructively with stakeholders while maintaining transparency and professionalism.
The INEC boss further announced the deployment of the new RECs within their respective geopolitical zones—excluding their states of origin—as part of INEC’s policy to enhance neutrality and reduce conflicts of interest.
The postings announced by Prof. Yakubu were: Dr Sa’ad Umar (Gombe State) Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem (Cross Rivers State) , Mrs. Feyijimi Ibiyemi (Ogun State), Mukhtar Umar Gajiram (Taraba State), Chukwuemeka C ibeziako (Abia State) and Umar Yusuf Garba (Sokoto State).
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in RECs, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude for the trust placed in them.
“This noble call to serve our great nation is one we do not take lightly,” he said. “We are fully aware that the credibility of elections rests not only on systems and structures but also on the character and commitment of those entrusted to manage them.” He said.
Dr. Idris pledged unwavering loyalty to INEC’s guiding principles and the Nigerian Constitution. He assured stakeholders of their collective commitment to conducting elections with “utmost integrity, impartiality, and professionalism.”
He also expressed special appreciation to INEC Chairman Prof. Yakubu, calling him a visionary leader whose commitment to inclusivity and innovation continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.