Tinubu Appoints New INEC Officials, Awaits Senate Approval

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made key appointments to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), nominating Abdulrazak Yusuf Tukur as National Commissioner for the North West and Saseyi Feyijimi Ibiyemi as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogun State.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tukur brings a wealth of experience, having served with INEC since 1999. He began his career as an assistant chief administrative officer and advanced to the role of Director of Electoral Operations and Logistics. Tukur, who is 59, has an extensive academic background, including a Bachelor of Arts from Bayero University, a postgraduate diploma in Economics from Bradford University in England, and a Master of Arts from Leeds University, also in England.

“Abdulrazak Yusuf Tukur’s nomination is a strategic decision based on his deep understanding of electoral operations,” Onanuga stated, adding that Tukur’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Meanwhile, Saseyi Feyijimi Ibiyemi has been nominated to fill the role of Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ogun State, a position left vacant after the passing of the former commissioner, ‘Niyi Ijalaye, in August. Ibiyemi, a lawyer from Ilaje in Ondo State, is currently serving as the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Lagos State. She graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1987 and was called to the bar in 1988.

“If cleared by the Senate, Ibiyemi will bring her legal expertise and administrative experience to Ogun State,” Onanuga said.

These appointments are part of ongoing efforts by President Tinubu to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral body ahead of upcoming elections. The nominations, however, require Senate approval before Tukur and Ibiyemi can officially assume their roles at INEC.