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 integrity, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held in Abuja, Yakubu reminded the officials of their obligation to adhere strictly to the country’s electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs, and INEC’s internal guidelines and regulations.
“As you assume or resume duty, I urge you to focus on your responsibilities. You must at all times be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs, as well as the Commission’s regulations and guidelines,” Yakubu stated. “Above all, you must act in good conscience and never betray your oath of office.”
The new appointments include the reappointment of Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram, both of whom are returning for a second five-year term. Sa’ad Umar Idris and Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, long-serving career staff within INEC, have also been elevated to the role of REC. Two newcomers, Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, a legal practitioner, and Umar Yusuf Garba, from the private sector, were sworn in for the first time.
Yakubu confirmed that the latest appointments bring the total number of Resident Electoral Commissioners to the full complement across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He also announced the schedule for the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states. The Ekiti governorship election will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, while Osun State will head to the polls on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
For Ekiti, political party primaries will run from October 20 to November 10, 2025, with nomination forms to be uploaded by December 22, 2025. Campaigns will kick off on January 21, 2026, and conclude 24 hours before election day.
For Osun, party primaries are scheduled from November 24 to December 15, 2025, with the nomination deadline set for February 9, 2026. Campaigns will officially begin on March 11, 2026, and end the day before the election.
“The full timetable and schedule of activities for both elections have been made available on the Commission’s website and social media platforms for public awareness,” Yakubu said.
He also addressed public concerns over pending bye-elections and the resumption of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), particularly in light of the upcoming Anambra governorship election. “We are finalising preparations and will make the details public very soon,” he assured.
