President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated six new officials to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reappointed Dr Bala Bila as a National Commissioner ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The nominations, announced on Friday, October 16, 2026, are intended to fill vacancies arising from the expiration of the tenures of some serving officials.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the nominees comprise four National Commissioners and two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
However, the nominations are subject to screening and confirmation by the Senate.
List of New INEC National Commissioner Nominees
Among the nominees is Professor Mustapha Aliu, who has been nominated to replace Professor Abdullahi Zuru as the National Commissioner representing the North-West.
Bashir Muhammed Umar was nominated to replace Professor Muhammad Adamu as the National Commissioner representing the North-Central.
Similarly, President Tinubu nominated Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the current Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, as the National Commissioner representing the South-West.
Babalola is expected to replace Professor Cornelius Ajayi, whose tenure expires on October 24, 2026.
Meanwhile, the President reappointed Dr Bala Bila as the National Commissioner representing the North-East.
Two New Resident Electoral Commissioners Nominated
For the Resident Electoral Commissioner positions, Tinubu nominated retired permanent secretary Dr Samuel Akinjide Akinleye to represent Ekiti State.
He also nominated Zahradden Basiru Sanusi, from Jigawa State, to replace Professor Saidu Ahmed Babura.
The nominees will undergo Senate screening and confirmation before their appointments can be finalised.
2027 Elections: Tinubu Seeks Expedited Confirmation
The nominations come as INEC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
President Tinubu has urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process to ensure the vacancies are filled ahead of the forthcoming polls.
The appointments will form part of the leadership and administrative arrangements of the electoral commission as it prepares to conduct another nationwide election.
INEC is constitutionally responsible for organising, undertaking and supervising elections into the offices of the President and Vice-President, state governors and deputy governors, and membership of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
The Senate’s consideration of the nominees will determine the next stage of the appointment process.
With the 2027 elections approaching, attention is expected to focus on INEC’s preparations, institutional independence and capacity to deliver credible elections.
