INEC gets North-East representation as new commissioner assumes duty

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received a new National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Manafa (rtd), following her swearing-in by President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the appointment was “timely and strategic,” coming at a critical stage in the commission’s electoral calendar. He said […]

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received a new National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Manafa (rtd), following her swearing-in by President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the appointment was “timely and strategic,” coming at a critical stage in the commission’s electoral calendar.

He said the development restores representation for the North-East geopolitical zone after over a year of vacancy, a move he noted would strengthen the commission’s decision-making capacity as it ramps up preparations for upcoming polls.

Amupitan also pointed to the new commissioner’s background in legal practice, military service and logistics, saying her experience would “add significant value” to electoral planning, security coordination and the management of disputes.

He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to its constitutional mandate, stressing that the commission remains focused despite challenges.

According to him, preparations are ongoing for a number of electoral activities, including by-elections and other scheduled polls ahead of the 2027 general election.

He added that the off-cycle elections would serve as benchmarks for assessing and strengthening the commission’s readiness for the presidential and National Assembly elections slated for January 2027, as well as governorship and state assembly polls in February 2027.

The INEC chairman urged the new commissioner to work closely with colleagues and leverage the commission’s institutional experience towards delivering credible, transparent and inclusive elections.