Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has completed filling its leadership vacancies across the country, with the swearing-in of six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). The move ensures that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) now have a Commissioner in place.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, presided over the swearing-in ceremony in Abuja on Friday. The new RECs have been deployed to Abia, Gombe, Cross River, Ogun, Taraba, and Sokoto states.
During the event, Professor Yakubu also formally welcomed two National Commissioners who recently took office after being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They are Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja, representing the South East, and Mr. Abdulrazak Tukur Yusuf, representing the North West.
Beyond completing its administrative structure, INEC announced fixed dates for upcoming major off-cycle governorship elections. The governorship election in Ekiti State is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026. For Osun State, the governorship election will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Professor Yakubu outlined key timelines for both elections:
- Ekiti State (June 20, 2026): Party primaries will run from October 20 to November 10, 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on January 18, 2026, with public campaigning commencing on January 21, 2026, and ending 24 hours before election day.
- Osun State (August 8, 2026): Party primaries are set for November 24 to December 15, 2025. The portal for uploading nomination forms closes on February 9, 2026. The final list of candidates will be published on March 9, 2026, and public campaigning will begin on March 11, 2026.
Addressing the newly sworn-in RECs, Professor Yakubu underscored the profound responsibility of their roles, stating that the conduct of elections is “not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty.” He reminded them that they represent the Commission in their respective states.
Speaking with reporters on behalf of his newly sworn-in colleagues, Dr. Sa’ad Idris, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Gombe State, expressed deep humility and gratitude for the trust placed in them. He pledged total dedication and loyalty to INEC’s values, promising to discharge duties with “utmost integrity, impartiality, and professionalism” while upholding the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act. Dr. Idris also committed to promoting voter education, encouraging citizen participation, and working with stakeholders to strengthen the electoral process.
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