Yakubu Swears In New RECs, Declares Readiness for Ekiti, Osun Governorship Polls

By Iyojo Ameh

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Friday administered the oath of office to six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), urging them to uphold professionalism, transparency, and adherence to the electoral laws in the discharge of their duties.

At the swearing-in ceremony held at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Yakubu reminded the appointees of the critical role they play in ensuring credible elections and maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

“The conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty,” Yakubu said. “You are the face of the Commission in the states to which you are deployed. Your actions must reflect the highest standards of integrity.”

The new appointees include two returning RECs, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram — and four fresh inductees: Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, and Umar Yusuf Garba. Their backgrounds span public service, academia, law, and private sector experience.

Yakubu cautioned them against acting independently of the Commission or violating laid-down procedures.

“You must operate within the limits of your responsibilities. Any act of defiance or misconduct will be met with disciplinary measures,” he said.

The new RECs are to be posted within their geo-political zones, but none will serve in their state of origin. Details of their deployment, along with related redeployments, will be published on INEC’s digital platforms.

The INEC Chairman also announced key dates for the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.

The Ekiti governorship election will hold on Saturday, June 20, 2026, with party primaries scheduled from October 20 to November 10, 2025. Final candidate lists will be published by January 18, 2026, while campaigns open on January 21, 2026.

In Osun State, the election is set for Saturday, August 8, 2026. Party primaries are to be held between November 24 and December 15, 2025, and the final list of candidates will be released on March 9, 2026. Campaigns will start on March 11, 2026.

The detailed schedule has been uploaded to INEC’s website and social media handles.

Yakubu acknowledged rising public interest in pending bye-elections and the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), especially ahead of the Anambra governorship election.

“We are finalising preparations for both activities. The details will be announced soon,” he assured.

Friday’s event also marked the first public engagement for two recently appointed National Commissioners — Prof. Sunday Nwambam Aja (South East) and Abdulrazak Tukur Yusuf (North West).

In a solemn moment, Yakubu paid tribute to a late colleague, retired Major General Abubakar Modibbo Alkali, describing him as a committed officer who served the nation with dedication.

“With today’s swearing-in, the Commission is better equipped to deliver on its mandate and strengthen the electoral process,” Yakubu concluded.