Senate Sacks Three Resident Electoral Commissioners Over Misconduct

The Nigerian Senate has officially terminated the appointments of three Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) following a request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This decision was taken in line with Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides for the removal of such officials on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform their duties.

The affected officials, as announced by Senate Majority Leader, include Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto State REC), Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari (Adamawa State REC), and Professor Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu (Abia State REC). The three officials had previously been suspended in 2023 over allegations of electoral malpractice, including election compromise, fraud, and dereliction of duty.

According to security reports from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Nura Ali was indicted for allegedly manipulating the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections through incompetence and corruption. Reports indicate that he confessed to receiving $150,000 from politicians to influence election outcomes.

Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari gained national attention when he was suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari for unlawfully declaring a governorship election result—an action deemed outside his jurisdiction and in direct violation of electoral laws.

Similarly, Professor Uzochukwu was found guilty of mismanaging election logistics, abandoning the Governorship and State Assembly elections, and refusing to reschedule supplementary elections, which significantly disrupted the electoral process in Abia State.

Citing constitutional provisions, the Senate overwhelmingly voted with a two-thirds majority to approve their dismissal. The legislative body further directed the Clerk of the Senate to formally communicate the resolution to President Tinubu for immediate implementation.