President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written to the Senate seeking the confirmation of his nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signaling the beginning of a new leadership transition at the nation’s electoral body.
The letter from the President was read on the floor of the Senate during Tuesday’s plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who confirmed receipt of the request in line with Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The section empowers the President to appoint the INEC chairman and national commissioners, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
Although the identity of the nominee has not yet been made public, sources within the Presidency said the appointment followed a rigorous selection process to ensure competence, integrity, and adherence to constitutional principles.
President Tinubu, in his communication to the Senate, emphasized that the nomination aligns with his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring credible elections, and deepening citizens’ trust in the electoral process.
“The nominee possesses the qualifications and experience required to lead the commission in consolidating ongoing electoral reforms and advancing transparency and accountability,” the President’s letter reportedly stated.
The proposed appointment comes as the current INEC leadership approaches the end of its tenure, with preparations already underway for the 2026 general elections, which the National Assembly recently proposed to hold in November 2026.
Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, chaired by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, for legislative screening and report back within one week. Lawmakers are expected to conduct a thorough review of the nominee’s credentials before taking a final decision.
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Opposition senators have, however, called for a transparent and bipartisan screening process, insisting that the integrity of the next INEC chairman will play a crucial role in restoring public confidence in future elections.
If confirmed, the nominee will oversee Nigeria’s next electoral cycle, which includes off-cycle governorship elections and preparations for the 2026 general polls.
The appointment of a new INEC chairman marks a significant test of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to democratic consolidation, coming at a time when electoral credibility remains central to Nigeria’s governance and political stability.