The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday swore in six newly appointed Resident Electoral Officers (RECs), with Chairman Mahmood Yakubu urging them to strictly adhere to the electoral legal framework and uphold integrity in the discharge of their duties.
Yakubu, speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Abuja, reminded the new RECs to abide by the code of conduct and INEC’s operational guidelines. He emphasized the need for transparency, stakeholder engagement, and commitment to the Commission’s values.
“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 regulations and guidelines governing the Commission’s operations. Above all, you must always act in good conscience. Do not betray your oath of office,” he said.
The newly sworn-in officers include returning RECs Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram, who were reappointed for a second term, along with INEC career staff Sa’ad Umar Idris and Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi. Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, a legal practitioner, and Umar Yusuf Garba from the private sector, are new entrants to the Commission.
Yakubu noted that the appointments have now filled all REC vacancies across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He also announced dates for the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states. The Ekiti election is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, with party primaries running from October 20 to November 10, 2025. Nomination forms must be submitted by December 22, 2025, while the final candidate list will be published on January 18, 2026. Campaigns begin January 21 and end 24 hours before the election.
For Osun State, the governorship election will hold on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Party primaries will run from November 24 to December 15, 2025. The nomination portal closes on February 9, 2026, the candidate list will be published on March 9, 2026, and campaigns will run from March 11 to August 7, 2026.
Yakubu assured the public that the detailed election timetable and schedule of activities are available on INEC’s website and social media channels.
Addressing concerns over pending bye-elections and the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Yakubu confirmed that 17 bye-elections are pending and preparations for CVR are nearing completion, particularly ahead of the upcoming Anambra governorship election.
What you should know
INEC has filled all vacant Resident Electoral Officer positions and announced June 20 and August 8, 2026, for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, respectively. The Commission is also finalizing plans for voter registration and pending bye-elections.
