President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the approval of the Senate to dismiss three suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from Abia, Adamawa, and Sokoto states.
The affected officials are Ike Uzochukwu (Abia), Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa), and Nura Ali (Sokoto), who were accused of misconduct during the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu’s request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday.
According to the president, the RECs were already suspended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before he assumed office in May 2023.
“The Senate is invited to note that the three Resident Electoral Commissioners have been suspended for misconduct since March 2022 before the advent of the current administration,” Tinubu’s letter stated.
“While I trust that the Senate will consider this request expeditiously, please accept, distinguished senators and distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” he added.
With the expected approval of their dismissal, Tinubu is anticipated to send nominees to the Senate for confirmation to fill the vacant REC positions in the coming days.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system and address concerns raised over the conduct of the last general elections.