Tinubu drops two INEC RECs, asks senate to confirm new nominees

President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn the appointment of two resident electoral commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from Tinubu during plenary on Tuesday, confirming that the appointments of Mohammad Ngoshe, representing Borno state, and Owede Kosioma Eli, representing Bayelsa state, had been rescinded.

Tinubu had initially nominated them in a letter sent to the senate on March 12.

However, in the revised appointments, Umar Mukhtar, the current REC for Borno state, was reappointed, while Johnson Alalibo Silnikiem was named the new REC for Bayelsa state.

Other nominees, including Umar Yusuf Garba (Kano), Saad Umar (Bauchi), and Chukwuemeka Ibeziako (Anambra), retained their positions.

The president explained that the change was necessary following his decision to approve a second term for the Borno commissioner.

“In compliance with the provision of section 154(1) of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the senate, the appointment of the following five (5) nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” the letter reads.

“The distinguished senate is invited to note that this letter which supersedes my earlier one referenced presidency134/2 dated 12th day of March is occasioned by my consideration and approval of the commissioner from Borno state for reappointed for a second term.”

Tinubu urged the senate to confirm the revised list “in the usual expeditious manner”.