Tinubu Replaces REC Nominees For Borno, Bayelsa

President Bola Tinubu has rescinded the appointments of two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the withdrawal on Tuesday while reading an official letter from the President.

According to the letter, Tinubu revoked the appointments of Mohammad I. Ngoshe, who was set to represent Borno, and Owede Kosioma Eli, designated for Bayelsa.

Initially, the President had nominated both individuals in a letter to the Senate dated March 11. However, the existing Borno REC, Umar Mukthar, has been reappointed, while Johnson Silnikiem has been named the new REC for Bayelsa.

Meanwhile, three other previously appointed RECs—Umar Yusuf Garba (Kano), Saad Umar (Bauchi), and Chukwuemeka C. Ibeziako (Anambra)—will retain their positions.

The letter partly read, “In compliance with the provision of section 154(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the senate, the appointment of the following five nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

“The distinguished senate is invited to note that this letter which supersedes my earlier one-referenced presidency dated 12th day of March is occasioned by my consideration and approval of the commissioner from Borno state for reappointed for a second term.

“While hoping that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominees in the usual expeditious manner, please accept Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration”.