Tinubu withdraws appointment of Borno, Bayelsa INEC RECs, announce replacements

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially withdrawn the appointments of two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The announcement was made through a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday. The letter revealed that the appointments of Mohammad I. Ngoshe (Borno) and Owede Kosioma Eli (Bayelsa) have been rescinded.

Tinubu had previously nominated both individuals in a March 11 letter to the Senate, but in a new development, Umar Mukthar, the current Borno REC, has been reappointed for a second term, while Johnson Silnikiem has been named as the new REC for Bayelsa.

Meanwhile, the appointments of Umar Yusuf Garba (Kano), Saad Umar (Bauchi), and Chukwuemeka C. Ibeziako (Anambra) remain unchanged.

In the letter, Tinubu stated:

“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.”

Explaining the decision to withdraw Ngoshe’s appointment, the letter added:

“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 reappointment for a second term.”

President Tinubu urged the Senate to approve the nominees without delay, expressing confidence in their swift confirmation.