Tinubu Nominates Six Officials to INEC, Reappoints Bala Bila Ahead of 2027 Elections

President Bola Tinubu has nominated six new officials to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reappointed Dr Bala Bila as a National Commissioner ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The nominations come as the tenures of several serving electoral commissioners approach expiration, creating vacancies that need to be filled before the next general elections.

Among those nominated is Professor Mustapha Aliu, who is expected to replace Professor Abdullahi Zuru as the National Commissioner representing the North-West. Bashir Muhammed Umar has also been nominated to succeed Professor Muhammad Adamu as the North-Central representative.

Tinubu has also nominated Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the current Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, as the National Commissioner representing the South-West. She is expected to succeed Professor Cornelius Ajayi, whose tenure expires on October 24.

For the Resident Electoral Commissioner positions, the President nominated retired permanent secretary Dr Samuel Akinjide Akinleye to represent Ekiti State. Zahradden Basiru Sanusi, from Jigawa State, was also nominated to replace Professor Saidu Ahmed Babura.

The reappointment of Bila, alongside the six nominations, forms part of efforts to fill vacancies arising from the expiration of serving commissioners’ tenures.

The changes come at a critical period for INEC as preparations for the 2027 general elections approach. The commission is responsible for organising and overseeing elections across Nigeria, making the appointment of its officials an important part of its preparations.

However, the nominees must undergo Senate screening and secure confirmation before their appointments can be finalised.