ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has formally received a new National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Manafa (retd.), following her swearing-in by Bola Tinubu, as the electoral body intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Thursday, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, described the appointment as “timely and strategic,” noting that it comes at a critical phase in the commission’s electoral calendar.
Amupitan said the development restores full representation for the North-East geopolitical zone after more than a year of vacancy, adding that it would strengthen the commission’s decision-making process.
He noted that the new commissioner’s “extensive experience spanning legal practice, military service, and logistics management” would enhance key aspects of INEC’s operations.
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According to him, these include electoral planning, security coordination, and the management of electoral disputes.
The INEC boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to its constitutional mandate, stressing that it remains “focused and undeterred despite emerging challenges.”
He said preparations were ongoing for a series of electoral activities ahead of the 2027 polls, including by-elections and off-cycle contests.
These elections, he explained, would serve as test runs for assessing the commission’s readiness.
According to him, they will help fine-tune preparations for the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 2027, as well as the governorship and state assembly polls slated for February 2027.
Amupitan urged Manafa to fully integrate into the commission’s work, collaborate with colleagues, and leverage INEC’s institutional experience.
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He said her role would be crucial in delivering “credible, transparent, and inclusive elections” nationwide.
In her response, Manafa expressed appreciation for the reception, describing INEC as a “new professional family.”
“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 upcoming elections and the safety of electoral personnel, adding that she was honoured to serve in her new role.