INEC Receives New National Commissioner, Strengthens Electoral Preparations
INEC Receives New National Commissioner, Strengthens Electoral Preparations
INEC Receives New National Commissioner, Strengthens Electoral Preparations
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally received a newly appointed National Commissioner, Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Manafa, following her swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Welcoming the new appointee at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, described her appointment as timely and strategic, coming at a critical phase in Nigeria’s electoral calendar.
He noted that her appointment restores full representation for the North-East geopolitical zone after more than a year of vacancy, strengthening the Commission’s decision-making capacity as it intensifies preparations for upcoming electoral activities.
According to the Chairman, the new Commissioner brings a wealth of experience spanning legal practice, military service, and logistics management, which will enhance electoral planning, security coordination, and the handling of electoral disputes.
Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering credible, transparent, and inclusive elections, stressing that the Commission remains focused despite emerging challenges.
He disclosed that preparations are ongoing for a series of electoral engagements, including by-elections and other scheduled polls ahead of the 2027 general elections. He added that these off-cycle elections will serve as key benchmarks in assessing the Commission’s readiness for the presidential and National Assembly elections slated for January 2027, as well as governorship and state assembly elections in February 2027.
In her remarks, the newly sworn-in Commissioner, Rear Admiral Manafa (rtd.), expressed appreciation for the warm reception by the Commission’s leadership and members.
She described INEC as a new professional family and pledged to contribute her experience to support the Commission’s operations and national development.
“I pray and hope that we are going to work together for the development and stability of this country. In God we stand and in God we serve,” she said.
She also offered prayers for the success of upcoming elections and the safety of all personnel involved in the electoral process.
The development marks another step in INEC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity ahead of future elections.
INEC Receives New National Commissioner, Strengthens Electoral Preparations
