President Bola Tinubu officially swore in two new commissioners to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the State House in Abuja, reinforcing the commission’s leadership ahead of critical electoral cycles. The ceremony, attended by senior government officials, also saw INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu address and dismiss speculations about his sack, emphasizing continuity in the commission’s operations.
The newly appointed commissioners, whose names were confirmed by the Senate in April 2025, are tasked with overseeing electoral processes in specific geopolitical zones, filling vacancies left by retiring or reassigned members. Their inauguration follows President Tinubu’s nomination of five new commissioners in March 2025, part of a broader effort to strengthen INEC’s capacity for the 2027 general elections and upcoming off-cycle polls, including governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. The commissioners, both seasoned administrators with prior experience in public service, are expected to enhance INEC’s efforts to improve voter registration, electoral transparency, and the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Yakubu, addressing the media post-ceremony, categorically denied rumors of his dismissal, which had circulated following reports of a cabinet reshuffle. He clarified that his tenure, which began in 2020 and was renewed for a second five-year term, remains intact, with no directive from the presidency indicating otherwise. The INEC chairman reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, citing recent improvements in result management systems and stakeholder engagement. He also highlighted ongoing preparations for the 2025 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), set to commence in June, which aims to capture over 10 million new voters.
The swearing-in comes amid heightened scrutiny of INEC’s performance, particularly after controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections, where opposition parties alleged irregularities in result transmission. The commission has since invested in upgrading its technological infrastructure, including server capacity and cybersecurity measures, to prevent glitches experienced during previous polls. Tinubu, in his remarks, urged the new commissioners to uphold neutrality and professionalism, emphasizing that INEC’s integrity is pivotal to Nigeria’s democratic stability. He also pledged continued government support for electoral reforms, including potential amendments to the Electoral Act to address legal ambiguities.
The appointments have been broadly welcomed as a step toward ensuring regional balance within INEC, with the new commissioners representing the South-South and North-Central zones. However, challenges remain, including public distrust in electoral processes and logistical hurdles in rural areas. Yakubu’s rebuttal of sack rumors aims to quell uncertainty, allowing INEC to focus on its mandate.