Senate Approves President Tinubu’s Request to Sack Three Resident Electoral Commissioners
The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to terminate the appointments of three Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Abia States over allegations of electoral misconduct and incompetence.
Affected RECs
- Dr. Nura Ali – Sokoto State
- Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari – Adamawa State
- Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu – Abia State
Reasons for Their Removal
The decision followed a motion moved by Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during Wednesday’s plenary session. The Senate considered security reports from the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), which accused the officials of:
- Compromising the 2023 general elections.
- Receiving bribes from politicians.
- Abandoning election duties without justification.
- Mishandling electoral logistics.
- Declaring election results illegally.
Key Allegations Against Each REC
1. Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto State REC)
- Accused of electoral malpractice and corruption.
- Confessed to receiving $150,000 from politicians, as per DSS reports.
- Indicted for incompetence in managing the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections.
2. Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari (Adamawa State REC)
- Usurped the powers of the Returning Officer and illegally declared the governorship election results.
- Suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari after a prima facie case was established against him.
3. Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu (Abia State REC)
- Mishandled election logistics.
- Abandoned Governorship and State Assembly elections.
- Refused to reschedule supplementary elections, thereby undermining the process.
Legal Basis for Their Removal
The Senate invoked Section 157 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended), which states:
“A person holding any of the offices to which this section applies may only be removed from that office by the President acting on an address supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate, praying that he be so removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office… or for misconduct.”
Since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) falls under this constitutional provision, the Senate exercised its legislative powers to recommend their dismissal.
Senate’s Final Decision
After deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, and the Senate approved the termination of the RECs’ appointments.
What’s Next?
- The President will formally approve their removal based on the Senate’s recommendation.
- New appointments for RECs in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Abia States are expected soon.
- The decision signals the government’s commitment to electoral reforms and accountability within INEC.
