NKECHI NAECJE-ESEZOBOR—The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally received a newly appointed National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Manafa (rtd.), MNI, OFR, following her swearing-in by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, described the appointment as both timely and strategic, noting that it comes at a critical period in the Commission’s electoral calendar.
He stated that the appointment restores full representation for the North-East geopolitical zone after over a year of vacancy, thereby enhancing the Commission’s decision-making capacity as it intensifies preparations for forthcoming electoral activities.
The Chairman further highlighted the Commissioner’s extensive experience spanning legal practice, military service, and logistics management, emphasizing that her expertise will add significant value to electoral planning, security coordination, and the management of electoral disputes.
Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to its constitutional mandate, stressing that INEC remains focused and undeterred despite emerging challenges. He noted that preparations are ongoing for a series of electoral engagements, including by-elections and other scheduled polls ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to him, these off-cycle elections will serve as important benchmarks in assessing and strengthening the Commission’s operational readiness for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 2027, as well as the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections in February 2027.
The Chairman urged the new National Commissioner to actively participate in the Commission’s activities, collaborate with colleagues, and draw on the wealth of institutional experience within INEC to support the successful delivery of credible, transparent, and inclusive elections in Nigeria.
In her response, the newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Manafa (rtd.), MNI, OFR, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Commission for welcoming her into its fold.
Speaking at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, she thanked the INEC Chairman and members of the Commission for accepting her into what she described as a new professional family, noting that the reception made her feel as though she had known them for years.
She also acknowledged remarks highlighting her military background, expressing confidence that her experience in service would be useful in supporting the Commission’s operations.
The Commissioner further expressed optimism about working with the Commission towards the development and stability of the country, while wishing the institution success in its forthcoming activities.
She prayed for divine guidance and protection for the Commission, its members, their families, and the nation at large.
“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, as well as for the safety of all those involved in the electoral process, including staff and their families.
The Commissioner concluded by expressing gratitude once again for the warm reception, saying she was honoured to serve in her new capacity.
