Tinubu Appoints New INEC Commissioners Ahead of Elections

President Tinubu appointed four national commissioners and two resident electoral commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Dr. Bala Bila was re-appointed as the national commissioner representing the North-east. The new national commissioners include Professor Mustapha Aliu, who will take over from Professor Abdullahi Zuru as the North-west representative, and Bashir Muhammed Umar, who will replace Professor Muhammad Adamu as the North-central representative.

Additionally, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, currently the resident electoral commissioner in Osun state, has been recommended as the new South-west national commissioner, succeeding Professor Cornelius Ajayi, whose tenure ends on October 24. The new resident electoral commissioners are Dr. Samuel Akinjide Akinleye, representing Ekiti state, and Zahradden Basiru Sanusi from Jigawa state, who will replace Professor Saidu Ahmed Babura.

The president urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process as the 2027 general elections approach.