SENATE CONFIRMS FIVE NEW RESIDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSIONERS
The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday may 13th confirmed the appointment of five nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), bolstering preparations for upcoming electoral exercises across the country. The confirmation followed a report from the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, chaired by Senator Simon Lalong, which declared all nominees “eminently qualified and constitutionally fit” after vetting.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in March transmitted the nominations to the Senate, citing Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which empowers the president to appoint RECs with Senate approval.
The confirmed RECs are:
• Umar Yusuf Garba (Kano, North West)
• Saad Umar (Bauchi, North East)
• Chukwuemeka C. Ibeziako (Anambra, South East)
• Mohammad I. Ngoshe (Borno, North East)
• Dr. Owede Kosioma Eli (Bayelsa, South South)
While the appointments were largely welcomed, some civil society groups have called for more transparency in the nomination process and a commitment to regional balance and merit. The confirmation comes as INEC prepares for critical off-cycle elections in several states, and at a time of heightened scrutiny over electoral fairness.
