The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to dismiss the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for Sokoto, Abia, and Adamawa states.

The three RECs Ike Uzochukwu (Abia), Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa), and Nura Ali (Sokoto) were suspended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023 due to alleged electoral malpractices. Tinubu sought Senate approval to terminate their appointments, with the motion moved by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

Bamidele confirmed that the request was in line with Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), backed the motion, emphasizing that the RECs’ removal would send a strong message against corruption among public officeholders.

Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), noted that with 91 senators present, the Senate met the two-thirds majority required to pass the motion.

The motion was approved following a voice vote by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

In response, Yiaga Africa, an NGO focused on electoral transparency, urged a review of the Senate’s confirmation procedure to ensure better vetting of INEC candidates. Executive Director, Samson Itodo, stressed the importance of prioritizing qualifications, expertise, and non-partisanship in future appointments to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.