The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria swore in Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Manafa (rtd) as the new National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The appointment, according to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, was “timely and strategic,” coming at a crucial point in the commission’s election schedule.
After more than a year of vacancy, he said, the development restores representation for the North-East geopolitical zone, strengthening the commission’s ability to make decisions as it intensifies preparations for impending elections.
Amupitan added that the new commissioner’s background in law, military service, and logistics would “add significant value” to security coordination, election planning, and dispute resolution.
He reiterated INEC’s dedication to its constitutional mandate, emphasising that the commission stays focused in spite of obstacles.
In advance of the 2027 general election, he claims that preparations are in progress for a variety of electoral events, such as by-elections and other planned polls.
The commission’s preparedness for the January 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, as well as the February 2027 governorship and state assembly elections, will be evaluated and strengthened using the off-cycle elections, he continued.
In order to deliver credible, transparent, and inclusive elections, the INEC chairman urged the new commissioner to collaborate closely with colleagues and take advantage of the commission’s institutional experience.
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