President Bola Tinubu has nominated Saseyi Feyijimi Ibiyemi, a seasoned lawyer, as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State. If approved by the Senate, Ibiyemi will succeed Niyi Ijalaye, who passed away in August while serving in the role. The nomination comes as part of the President’s continued efforts to strengthen the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Ibiyemi, 58, is from Ilaje in Ondo State. The statement highlighted that Ibiyemi is currently serving as the Administrative Secretary for INEC in Lagos State. “Her wealth of experience in the electoral process positions her well to carry out the duties expected of the REC,” Onanuga added.
Ibiyemi’s academic background and professional expertise in law are noteworthy. She graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1987 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. In addition to her legal qualifications, she holds a Master’s degree in Election Management from Bingham University in Nasarawa State. Her experience within INEC has been extensive, and she has earned a reputation for competence in managing electoral processes at the state level.
The nomination of Ibiyemi follows the tragic death of her predecessor, Niyi Ijalaye, who passed away in August. Ijalaye, also a lawyer, had served as the REC for Ondo State prior to his untimely death. President Tinubu’s nomination of Ibiyemi aims to ensure the continuity of effective electoral administration in the state.
In addition to Ibiyemi’s nomination, President Tinubu has also put forward Abdulrazak Yusuf Tukur for appointment as a National Commissioner for INEC, representing the North West. Tukur, 59, has a strong academic and professional background, having earned a Bachelor of Arts from Bayero University, a postgraduate diploma in Economics from Bradford University in England, and a Master of Arts from Leeds University.
Tukur has been with INEC for over two decades, having joined the commission in 1999 as an assistant chief administrative officer. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become the Director of Electoral Operations and Logistics, a position he held until December 2023. His deep experience in electoral logistics and operations makes him a strong candidate for the role of National Commissioner.
Both Ibiyemi and Tukur will need to be cleared by the Senate before their appointments are finalized. The Senate’s approval process will involve scrutinizing their qualifications and suitability for their respective roles within the electoral commission.
