In a historic move, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has welcomed a significant shift in leadership as career officers of the Commission assumed roles as Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs.

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The swearing-in ceremony, held on Tuesday, in Abuja, marked a departure from tradition, showcasing a lineup of experienced individuals who have risen through the ranks within INEC.

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With four of the nine newly sworn-in RECs having previously held the position of Director within the Commission, their wealth of experience spans electoral operations, election and party monitoring, as well as electoral litigation.

This marks a notable milestone as it is the first time that several INEC career officers have been appointed as RECs.

Addressing the new appointees, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the critical responsibility of overseeing elections and maintaining the Commission’s commitment to fairness and transparency.

He urged the RECs to steer clear of unnecessary debates while remaining open to constructive criticism from stakeholders such as political parties, civil society organizations, the media, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and security agencies.

He said, “Today, nine out of the 10 RECs screened and confirmed by the National Assembly were sworn-in at this ceremony. The tenth REC-designate will be sworn-in next month on the expiry of the tenure of the REC representing Akwa Ibom State currently deployed to Delta State.

“By the proactive decision taken by the appointing authority, there will no long waiting period before the vacancy is filled. Let me therefore seize this opportunity to commend the selfless and dedicated service rendered to the Commission and the nation by the outgoing REC in Delta State, Reverend Dr Monday Udo Tom.

“The same appreciation is extended to all the other RECs whose tenure ended after serving meritoriously.

“Among the nine new RECs, four have been career officers of the Commission rising to the rank of Director. They have been involved in elections and electoral activities both in the field and at the Headquarters. Their experiences traversed electoral operations, election and party monitoring and electoral litigation.

“This is the first time that several INEC career officers are appointed as RECs. You are not new to the conduct of elections. There is no learning curve for you. Consequently, there can be no excuses for failing to hit the ground running and for making a huge difference to the quality and transparency of elections.

“The other five RECs sworn-in today have varied experiences in the public service at both National and State level. We will hold you to the same standard as we hold the career officers of the Commission.

“As new RECs, you are coming on board just as the Commission is about to conclude the three stages of our recent General Election i.e. the main elections conducted on 25th February and 18th March 2023, the supplementary elections where no winners emerged at first ballot held on 15th April 2023, and the re-run elections by the order of the Election Petition and Appeal Tribunals as they conclude their determination of all the cases before them.

Meanwhile, Yakubu disclosed that, “the Commission will release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the re-run elections which will be combined with bye-elections in constituencies where vacancies have been declared by Presiding Officers of legislative houses following the death or resignation of serving members of the National and State assemblies.

In addition, “five vacancies have been declared for Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency of Taraba State, Chibok State Constituency of Borno State, Chikun State Constituency of Kaduna State and Guma State Constituency of Benue State.

Similarly, we want to assure citizens in six other constituencies that we are liaising with the National and State assemblies for the declaration of vacancies so that bye-elections can be conducted in earnest.

“These are Ebonyi South and Yobe East Senatorial Districts, Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency of Sokoto State and Khana II State Constituency of Rivers State.

The Chairman commended the outgoing REC in Delta State, Reverend Dr. Monday Udo Tom, for his dedicated service and announced the proactive decision to fill the vacancy promptly.

The deployment of the new RECs within their geo-political zones, but not in their states of origin, aligns with the Commission’s current policy.

Yakubu reiterated the Commission’s expectations, emphasizing that the new RECs, both career officers and those with varied experiences, must hit the ground running, making a substantial difference in the quality and transparency of future elections.

The swearing-in ceremony witnessed the deployment of the following new Resident Electoral Commissioners:

1. Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa – Kebbi
2. Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed – Borno
3. Dr. Anugbum Onuoha – Edo
4. Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah – Akwa Ibom
5. Mal. Aminu Idris – Kaduna
6. Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar – Kwara
7. Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola – Ondo
8. Olubunmi O. Omoseyindemi – Ekiti
9. Shehu L. Wahab – Nasarawa

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Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn in Resident Electoral Commissioners, former director legal services, now REC representing Ondo, Mrs Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, express gratitude to God and authorities for their appointments. They pledge loyalty, ethical standards, and commitment to the vision of the commission.

Acknowledged support from Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and committed to being firm, fair, impartial, and nonpartisan. Emphasize a harmonious working relationship with fellow commissioners and commission staff as they embark on their state assignments.

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