Abuja, Nigeria — April 30, 2026
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.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, described the appointment as timely and strategic, noting that it comes at a critical phase in the Commission’s electoral calendar.
He stated that the development restores full representation for the North-East geopolitical zone after over a year of vacancy, thereby strengthening the Commission’s decision-making capacity as preparations for upcoming elections intensify.
Amupitan highlighted Manafa’s extensive background in legal practice, military service, and logistics management, expressing confidence that her expertise would enhance electoral planning, security coordination, and the resolution of electoral disputes.
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to its constitutional mandate, stressing that it remains focused on delivering credible, transparent, and inclusive elections despite emerging challenges.
He noted that preparations are ongoing for several electoral activities, including by-elections and other scheduled polls ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, these off-cycle elections will serve as key benchmarks in assessing and strengthening INEC’s operational readiness for the presidential and National Assembly elections slated for January 2027, as well as governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections in February 2027.
Amupitan urged the new commissioner to actively engage in the Commission’s activities and collaborate with colleagues to ensure the successful conduct of future elections in the country.
