The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally received a new National Commissioner, Jamila Manafa, following her swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu, as the commission steps up preparations for upcoming elections.
- +INEC welcomes new national commissioner
In a statement on Thursday shared on the official X handle of the commission, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, described the appointment as “timely and strategic,” coming at a critical period in the commission’s electoral calendar.
In a statement on Thursday shared on the official X handle of the commission, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, described the appointment as “timely and strategic,” coming at a critical period in the commission’s electoral calendar.
He said the development restores full representation for the North-East geopolitical zone after over a year of vacancy, noting that it strengthens the commission’s decision-making capacity as it intensifies preparations for forthcoming electoral activities.
Amupitan further stated that the new commissioner’s “extensive experience spanning legal practice, military service, and logistics management” would add value to key areas of the commission’s work, including electoral planning, security coordination, and the management of electoral disputes.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to its constitutional mandate, stressing that the commission remains “focused and undeterred despite emerging challenges,” while preparations continue for a series of electoral engagements ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to him, these include by-elections and other scheduled polls, which he said will serve as important benchmarks for assessing and strengthening the commission’s operational readiness.
He explained that the off-cycle elections would help the commission evaluate its preparedness for the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 2027, as well as the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections slated for February 2027.
The INEC chairman urged the new commissioner to actively participate in the commission’s activities, collaborate with colleagues, and draw on its institutional experience to support the delivery of “credible, transparent, and inclusive elections” across the country.
In her response, Manafa expressed appreciation to the commission’s leadership for the reception accorded her, thanking the chairman and members for welcoming her into what she described as a “new professional family.”
She noted that the warm reception made her feel as though she had known members of the commission for years, while acknowledging remarks about her military background and expressing confidence that her experience would be useful in supporting INEC’s operations.
“I pray and hope that we are going to work together for the development and stability of this country. In God we stand, and in God we serve,” she said.
She also offered prayers for the success of forthcoming elections and for the safety of electoral personnel and their families, adding that she was honoured to serve in her new capacity.
