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.

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BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—President Bola Tinubu has purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s 2027 electoral process.

The forms were purchased on his behalf by James Abiodun Faleke, the lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency. Faleke also obtained nomination documents for Obafemi Hamzat, Idiat Adegbule, as well as his own candidacy.

The documents were formally handed over by a delegation of the APC National Working Committee led by Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Abubakar Dalori, together with the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu.

Other senior party officials present at the presentation included Hon. Duro Meseko, Deputy National Publicity Secretary; Hon. Bawa Rijau, National Vice Chairman (North Central); and Dr. Mary Aliele, National Women Leader.

In a separate development, the All Progressives Congress has released an updated timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, revising internal deadlines for screenings, primaries, and appeals, while also announcing official bank accounts for the purchase of nomination forms.

The circular, issued on Monday from the party’s National Secretariat, Buhari House in Abuja, was signed by the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, and also confirmed by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

The party explained that the schedule was developed in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s revised timetable for the 2027 polls.

According to the timetable, sales of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms will close on May 4, 2026.

The APC also outlined the cost structure for various elective offices: House of Assembly — ₦1,000,000 (Expression of Interest) and ₦5,000,000 (Nomination); House of Representatives — ₦1,000,000 and ₦9,000,000; Senate — ₦3,000,000 and ₦17,000,000; Governorship — ₦10,000,000 and ₦40,000,000; and Presidential — ₦30,000,000 and ₦70,000,000. Female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities are required to pay only for the Expression of Interest form and 50 percent of the nomination fee for their respective positions.

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