Tinubu Nominates Four New INEC National Commissioners, Two Resident Electoral Commissioners Ahead of 2027 Elections

Tinubu Nominates Four New INEC National Commissioners, Two Resident Electoral Commissioners Ahead of 2027 Elections

President Urges Senate to Expedite Confirmation of Nominees

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated four new National Commissioners and two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacancies arising from the expiration of the tenures of some officials.

The nominations are part of efforts to ensure continuity in the commission's operations as Nigeria prepares for the forthcoming general elections.

According to a State House press release issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, the nominees will be subjected to screening and confirmation by the Senate.

President Tinubu has also reappointed Dr. Bala Bila as the National Commissioner representing the North-East geopolitical zone.

New INEC National Commissioners

Among the newly nominated National Commissioners is Professor Mustapha Aliu, who is expected to replace Professor Abdullahi Zuru as the representative of the North-West geopolitical zone.

Bashir Muhammed Umar has also been nominated to replace Professor Muhammad Adamu as the National Commissioner representing the North-Central zone.

For the South-West, President Tinubu has recommended Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the current Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, to assume the position of National Commissioner.

She is expected to replace Professor Cornelius Ajayi, whose tenure expires on October 24, 2026.

Two New Resident Electoral Commissioners Nominated

In addition to the national appointments, the President has nominated two individuals as Resident Electoral Commissioners.

They are Dr. Samuel Akinjide Akinleye, a retired permanent secretary, who has been nominated to represent Ekiti State, and Zahradden Basiru Sanusi from Jigawa State, who is expected to replace Professor Saidu Ahmed Babura.

The appointments are expected to strengthen the commission's administrative structure and support the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

Tinubu Seeks Swift Senate Confirmation

President Tinubu has urged the Senate to expedite the screening and confirmation of the nominees, citing the need to ensure that INEC is adequately positioned for the forthcoming general elections scheduled for January, as stated in the presidential announcement.

The confirmation process will determine the nominees' formal assumption of their respective positions in the electoral commission.

The development comes as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum, with INEC expected to play a central role in ensuring credible, transparent and peaceful electoral processes across the country.

The announcement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and dated October 16, 2026.

Source: State House Press Release, October 16, 2026.