President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated four new national commissioners and two resident electoral commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following vacancies created by the expiration of their predecessors’ tenures.

 

The nominations, announced on Friday, October 16, 2026, include changes to the commission’s representation in the North-West and North-Central geopolitical zones, as well as appointments affecting other parts of the country.

 

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the nominees will be scrutinised by the Senate for confirmation.

 

Among the new national commissioners is Professor Mustapha Aliu, who is expected to replace Professor Abdullahi Zuru as the representative of the North-West.

 

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, Tinubu nominated Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the current Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, to replace Professor Cornelius Ajayi, whose tenure is scheduled to expire on October 24.

 

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However, the President reappointed Dr Bala Bila as the national commissioner representing the North-East, retaining him in the position.

 

Tinubu Nominates Two Resident Electoral Commissioners

 

The President also nominated two new resident electoral commissioners to fill vacancies at the electoral body.

 

Retired Permanent Secretary Dr Samuel Akinjide Akinleye has been nominated to represent Ekiti State, while Zahradden Basiru Sanusi, from Jigawa State, will replace Professor Saidu Ahmed Babura.

 

The nominations come as preparations for the forthcoming general elections gather momentum, with the Federal Government seeking to fill the vacancies ahead of the polls.

 

Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite the screening and confirmation of the nominees, citing the need to strengthen the electoral commission ahead of the elections scheduled for January.

 

The appointments will take effect subject to the Senate’s scrutiny and confirmation.

 

The development comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, positioning themselves for the contest.

 

The presidential statement did not indicate that the nominations were specifically targeted at any political party or individual.