By SCM News Desk I October 16, 2026
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated four new National Commissioners and two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to fill impending vacancies at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The nominations, which are subject to Senate confirmation, aim to address structural vacancies created by expiring tenures as the nation prepares for the upcoming General Elections scheduled for next January.
4 New National Commissioners Nominated: Prof. Mustapha Aliu (North West), Bashir Muhammed Umar (North Central), and Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola (South West).
1 Reappointment: Dr. Bala Bila reappointed as National Commissioner representing the North East.
2 New RECs Nominated: Dr. Samuel Akinjide Akinleye (Ekiti State) and Zahradden Basiru Sanusi (Jigawa State).
Urgent Senate Confirmation Requested: President Tinubu urges the Senate to expedite screening to ensure full leadership ahead of the January General elections.
In a statement issued on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the nominations were made to ensure uninterrupted operational leadership within the electoral body.
According to the presidency, Dr. Bala Bila was reappointed as the INEC National Commissioner representing the North East region.
Among the new National Commissioner nominees:
Professor Mustapha Aliu (North West) will replace Professor Abdullahi Zuru.
Bashir Muhammed Umar (North Central) will take over from Professor Muhammad Adamu.
Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola (South West), currently serving as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, has been recommended to replace Professor Cornelius Ajayi, whose tenure expires on October 24.
For the position of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs):
Dr. Samuel Akinjide Akinleye, a retired permanent secretary, has been nominated to represent Ekiti State.
Zahradden Basiru Sanusi from Jigawa State will replace Professor Saidu Ahmed Babura.
Urgent Call for Senate Confirmation
President Tinubu urged the Senate to process and confirm the nominees swiftly, emphasizing the critical timing ahead of the national elections.
”President Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite the nominees’ confirmation in view of the forthcoming General elections next January,” the statement noted.
The Senate is expected to read the presidential request on the floor and refer the nominees to the relevant committee for screening in the coming days.
