The Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to formally dismiss the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of Sokoto, Abia, and Adamawa states.
The affected officials— Ike Uzochukwu (Abia), Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa), and Nura Ali (Sokoto) were initially suspended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023 over allegations of electoral misconduct and irregularities during the general elections.
During Wednesday’s plenary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved the motion to approve their removal, stating that Tinubu’s request aligns with Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Speaking in support of the motion, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) said the dismissal would serve as a warning to public officials, reinforcing the government’s stance on accountability.
“This administration has committed to fighting corruption, and this action will deter others in public office from engaging in misconduct,” Moro stated.
Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) also emphasized that with 91 senators present, the chamber had surpassed the two-thirds majority required to approve the motion.
“The essence of this motion is to uphold Section 157(1) of the constitution and safeguard the integrity of public institutions,” Monguno said.
The motion was adopted following a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In reaction to the development, Yiaga Africa, a civic organization focused on electoral reforms, urged the Senate to improve its confirmation process for INEC appointments to ensure thorough screening of nominees.
Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, stressed the need for future INEC appointments to prioritize competence, impartiality, and integrity.
“These cases highlight the importance of selecting qualified and non-partisan individuals for INEC roles. We urge the President to ensure that future appointments strictly adhere to constitutional standards to maintain INEC’s credibility and effectiveness,” Itodo stated.
