Politics
INEC swears in Six new RECs, unveils Ekiti, Osun guber polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sworn-in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), marking the filling of all vacancies across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event which took place on Friday at the INEC Conference Room in Abuja, also featured the unveiling of the timetable for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
In his remarks at the event, the Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, formally welcomed all attendees and acknowledged the presence of two recently sworn-in National Commissioners: Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja representing the South East geopolitical zone, and Abdulrazak Tukur Yusuf representing the North West.
Professor Yakubu also paid tribute to the late Major General Abubakar Modibbo Alkali (rtd), a former National Commissioner who passed away in April, describing him as a “conscientious officer who diligently dedicated his life to the service of his country.”
A minute of silent prayer was observed in memory of Alkali and other deceased INEC staff.
The INEC Chairman stated that the occasion had two major objectives: the swearing-in of the six new RECs and the official release of the timetable for the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections.
Prof Yakubu congratulated the new appointees, highlighting their rich and diverse experiences in election management and public service.
He noted that two of the newly sworn-in RECs: Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram, were reappointed for a second term, while Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris and Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi were long-serving staff of the Commission.
The other two, Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako and Umar Yusuf Garba, come with strong private sector and legal backgrounds.
The Chairman reminded the new RECs of the enormity of their responsibilities, urging them to adhere strictly to the electoral legal framework, the Commission’s regulations and guidelines, and their oath of office. “Do not betray your oath of office,” he warned, while stressing the importance of regular engagement with stakeholders, prudent management of personnel and limited resources, and full-time dedication to their new roles.
He added that the RECs must understand the limits of their delegated authority and act within the laws and policies of the Commission. Any act of defiance or indiscretion, he said, would not be tolerated.
He then announced the deployment of the new RECs as follows: Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris to Gombe State; Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem to Cross River; Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi to Ogun; Mukhtar Umar Gajiram to Taraba; Chukwuemeka C. Ibeziako to Abia; and Umar Yusuf Garba to Sokoto.
He noted that the deployment policy aligns with INEC’s tradition of assigning RECs within their geopolitical zones but outside their states of origin.
Professor Yakubu also revealed that a consequential redeployment of some serving RECs was carried out administratively, and the updated list would be made public via INEC’s website and social media platforms.
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By David Owei, Bayelsa
Governor Ademola Adeleke is not defecting to African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor aligning with anybody within the ADC ahead of the 2026 state elections, his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has disclosed.
Responding to media publication and enquiries, the Spokesperson affirmed that Governor Adeleke remains in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is going to win, with wide margins, the 2026 governorship elections on the platform of the PDP.
The statement reads further: “Our attention has been drawn to news reports and media enquiries about the imminent defection of Governor Adeleke to the ADC or alignment with ADC big wigs ahead of the 2026 governorship race. There is no truth in those publications and speculations.
“First of all, we, the PDP Osun, have already adopted and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, so there is no alliance with ADC.
“Secondly, Governor Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to win with a wide margin in 2026.
“The Osun electorate supports Governor Adeleke because of his impressive performance since he came to office. That good work is still ongoing and Osun people are committed to sustaining the delivery of good governance by re-electing Governor Adeleke in 2026”, the Spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Governor Adeleke urges PDP members to forge ahead with the ongoing strengthening of the party structures across all levels to prepare for fresh victory next year”, the statement from the Spokesperson concluded.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The umbrella body of Ijaw Elders, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has rejected the Bill in the Senate seeking to permanently elevate the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive Co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council.
The INC said the move would be at the expense of apex traditional rulers from other ethnic nationalities and geopolitical divides.
The Second Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Alabo Nengi James (OON) said, in a statement on Sunday in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government area of Bayelsa State, the proposal is a continuos infringement on Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.
Alabo Nengi James describes the provision of the Bill as unacceptable and against the Rights of the indigenous People across tribes, Religion, Culture and Customs.
He said the Bill should be reviewed to include clauses such as No permanent Chairmanship for Sultan and Oni only must be allowed in the ongoing bill being discussed in the Senate.
He advocates that the National Assembly should allow the National Council of Traditional Rulers to Appoint their Leadership themselves, rotationaly and based on Federal Character.
“Include the Role of Traditional Rulers into the Constitutio and No Traditional Ruler from another tribe or religion is superior to another.”
“The National Assembly should Step down the Provocative and dehumanizing offensive Bill that will cause a serious rift and breach of peace in Nigeria.”
Chief James called the attention of the Senate President, Rt. Hon. Godswill Akpabio, urging him to immediately step down what he termed a “highly insensitive and dangerous bill.”
He emphasized that traditional rulers across the country must be given equal recognition and should be allowed to choose their national leadership through internal mechanisms that reflect rotational leadership and the federal character system.
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