Tinubu Appoints New INEC Officials for 2027 Elections

On October 16, President Bola Tinubu nominated four National Commissioners and two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of the preparations for the 2027 general elections. The nominations are intended to fill vacancies created by the expiration of the tenures of some serving commissioners and are subject to screening and confirmation by the Senate.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the nominations in a State House statement. Dr Bala Bila was reappointed as National Commissioner representing the North-East.

Professor Mustapha Aliu was nominated to represent the North-West, replacing Professor Abdullahi Zuru. For the North-Central, Bashir Muhammed Umar was nominated to replace Professor Muhammad Adamu.

Additionally, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, currently the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, was recommended to become the National Commissioner representing the South-West, replacing Professor Cornelius Ajayi, whose tenure expires on October 24, 2026.