There Is No More Vacancy” – INEC Chairman Declares, Swears in 6 New RECs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday reached a major administrative milestone as its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, declared that there are “no more vacancies in INEC,” following the swearing-in of six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). The ceremony, held at INEC headquarters in Abuja, signifies the completion of appointments into all state offices of the Commission across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“With the swearing-in of the six RECs today, all vacancies have been filled in the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT,” Professor Mahmood announced. “It is therefore appropriate to start by congratulating the new RECs that have just taken the oath of office.”

The six newly sworn-in RECs bring diverse backgrounds to the Commission. Two of them, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajam, were reappointed for a second term, having previously served as RECs for five years. Dr. Saidat Olamide Idris and Mrs. Queeneth Shashi Ibi are experienced career staff of INEC. Chukwuemeka Joseph Christopher and Umaru Garba are first-time appointees from the private sector and legal profession, bringing a mix of fresh insight and professional experience into INEC’s operations. They have been posted to Gombe, Cross River, Kogi, Taraba, Abia, and Sokoto states respectively.

In line with INEC’s policy, none of the new RECs will serve in their state of origin. The INEC Chairman also hinted at the redeployment of some serving RECs in order to align with the Commission’s existing administrative structure and ensure neutrality. He stated that this process would be handled internally and the full list would be published on INEC’s website and social media platforms shortly.

Professor Mahmood did not mince words in emphasizing the responsibility and expectations placed on the new appointees. He described the role of a REC as a full-time commitment, not a ceremonial one, and reminded them that the conduct of elections is not just a professional task but a sacred national duty. According to him, success in the role depends on knowledge of the Commission’s operations, innovations in electoral management, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

“You must manage your personnel and the extremely limited resources at your disposal very well. You must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision,” he warned. “You must never act independently or think that you can act in violation of the law, regulations, and guidelines or defy the Commission without consequences. We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions.”

He further stated that any acts of defiance, indiscretion, or misconduct would not be tolerated and that the Commission would take firm action against erring officials.

The INEC Chairman also used the occasion to unveil the official timetable for the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states. For Ekiti, the governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 20th July 2026. Party primaries will begin on 20th October 2025 and end on 10th November 2025. Political parties are expected to upload their nomination forms by 6:00 p.m. on 22nd December 2025. Campaigns will begin on 21st January 2026 and end 24 hours before election day.

In Osun State, the governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, 8th August 2026. Political parties will conduct their primaries between 24th November and 15th December 2025. The deadline for submission of nominations is 6:00 p.m. on 9th February 2026. INEC will publish the final list of candidates on 9th March 2026, and campaign activities will commence on 11th March 2026 and end 24 hours before the polls.

The full timetable and schedule of activities for both elections have been uploaded to INEC’s official website and social media platforms for public access and party compliance.

A solemn moment was observed during the ceremony in honour of Retired Major General Abubakar Bali, a former National Commissioner of INEC who passed away recently. Professor Mahmood described him as a conscientious officer who served Nigeria with distinction both in the military and during his time with the Commission. A minute of silent prayer was held in his memory.

In his concluding remarks, Professor Mahmood congratulated the new RECs once again and reinforced INEC’s commitment to delivering credible, transparent, and lawful elections. He noted that the Nigerian people expect professionalism and impartiality from electoral officers and that the Commission will not hesitate to act against those who fall short of this standard.

“There is no more vacancy in INEC,” he declared. “And with that comes no room for excuses. Nigerians expect nothing less than excellence.”

There Is No More Vacancy” – INEC Chairman Declares, Swears in 6 New RECs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday reached a major administrative milestone as its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, declared that there are “no more vacancies in INEC,” following the swearing-in of six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). The ceremony, held at INEC headquarters in Abuja, signifies the completion of appointments into all state offices of the Commission across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“With the swearing-in of the six RECs today, all vacancies have been filled in the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT,” Professor Mahmood announced. “It is therefore appropriate to start by congratulating the new RECs that have just taken the oath of office.”

The six newly sworn-in RECs bring diverse backgrounds to the Commission. Two of them, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajam, were reappointed for a second term, having previously served as RECs for five years. Dr. Saidat Olamide Idris and Mrs. Queeneth Shashi Ibi are experienced career staff of INEC. Chukwuemeka Joseph Christopher and Umaru Garba are first-time appointees from the private sector and legal profession, bringing a mix of fresh insight and professional experience into INEC’s operations. They have been posted to Gombe, Cross River, Kogi, Taraba, Abia, and Sokoto states respectively.

In line with INEC’s policy, none of the new RECs will serve in their state of origin. The INEC Chairman also hinted at the redeployment of some serving RECs in order to align with the Commission’s existing administrative structure and ensure neutrality. He stated that this process would be handled internally and the full list would be published on INEC’s website and social media platforms shortly.

Professor Mahmood did not mince words in emphasizing the responsibility and expectations placed on the new appointees. He described the role of a REC as a full-time commitment, not a ceremonial one, and reminded them that the conduct of elections is not just a professional task but a sacred national duty. According to him, success in the role depends on knowledge of the Commission’s operations, innovations in electoral management, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

“You must manage your personnel and the extremely limited resources at your disposal very well. You must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision,” he warned. “You must never act independently or think that you can act in violation of the law, regulations, and guidelines or defy the Commission without consequences. We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions.”

He further stated that any acts of defiance, indiscretion, or misconduct would not be tolerated and that the Commission would take firm action against erring officials.

The INEC Chairman also used the occasion to unveil the official timetable for the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states. For Ekiti, the governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 20th July 2026. Party primaries will begin on 20th October 2025 and end on 10th November 2025. Political parties are expected to upload their nomination forms by 6:00 p.m. on 22nd December 2025. Campaigns will begin on 21st January 2026 and end 24 hours before election day.

In Osun State, the governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, 8th August 2026. Political parties will conduct their primaries between 24th November and 15th December 2025. The deadline for submission of nominations is 6:00 p.m. on 9th February 2026. INEC will publish the final list of candidates on 9th March 2026, and campaign activities will commence on 11th March 2026 and end 24 hours before the polls.

The full timetable and schedule of activities for both elections have been uploaded to INEC’s official website and social media platforms for public access and party compliance.

A solemn moment was observed during the ceremony in honour of Retired Major General Abubakar Bali, a former National Commissioner of INEC who passed away recently. Professor Mahmood described him as a conscientious officer who served Nigeria with distinction both in the military and during his time with the Commission. A minute of silent prayer was held in his memory.

In his concluding remarks, Professor Mahmood congratulated the new RECs once again and reinforced INEC’s commitment to delivering credible, transparent, and lawful elections. He noted that the Nigerian people expect professionalism and impartiality from electoral officers and that the Commission will not hesitate to act against those who fall short of this standard.

“There is no more vacancy in INEC,” he declared. “And with that comes no room for excuses. Nigerians expect nothing less than excellence.