Tinubu Nominates Retired Admiral as INEC National Commissioner

Patrick Isaac

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Malafa as National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), representing Adamawa State.

The nomination arrived via a formal letter to the Senate, read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in line with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

This move comes amid heightened scrutiny of electoral reforms, including recent House clashes over electronic voting.

“In accordance with the provisions of Section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I hereby forward for confirmation by the Senate, the nomination of Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Malafa as National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission, representing Adamawa State,” Tinubu stated in the letter.

He added, “I trust that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee in the usual expeditious manner.”

Akpabio promptly referred the matter to the Senate Committee on INEC, directing, “The nomination is hereby referred to the Senate Committee on INEC for necessary screening and to report back to plenary within one week.”

If confirmed, Malafa steps into a key role during a tense period for Nigeria’s democracy, tasked with bolstering electoral administration ahead of future polls and ongoing reform debates.