• INEC has formally welcomed Jamila Manafa as its new National Commissioner after her swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu
• Her appointment restores full representation for the North-East geopolitical zone after over a year of vacancy
• INEC says Manafa’s background in legal practice, military service, and logistics will strengthen electoral planning and security coordination

The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially welcomed Jamila Manafa as its newest National Commissioner following her swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu, a move seen as significant as the electoral body ramps up preparations for future elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday, April 30, via its official X handle, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, described Manafa’s appointment as “timely and strategic,” noting that it comes at a crucial point in the commission’s electoral timetable.

Amupitan said her appointment restores full representation for the North-East geopolitical zone, which had remained vacant for more than a year, and strengthens the commission’s ability to make critical decisions as preparations for upcoming elections gather pace.

He added that Manafa’s “extensive experience spanning legal practice, military service, and logistics management” would bring valuable expertise to the commission, particularly in areas such as electoral planning, security coordination, and the handling of electoral disputes.

Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to its constitutional responsibilities, Amupitan said the commission remains “focused and undeterred despite emerging challenges,” as it continues preparations for several electoral activities ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to him, the commission is set to conduct a series of by-elections and other scheduled polls, which he said would serve as key tests in assessing and improving INEC’s operational readiness.

He explained that the off-cycle elections would provide an opportunity for the commission to evaluate its preparedness ahead of the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 2027, as well as the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections expected in February 2027.

Amupitan urged Manafa to fully engage in the commission’s work, collaborate with fellow commissioners, and draw from the institution’s experience to help deliver “credible, transparent, and inclusive elections” nationwide.

Responding, Manafa thanked the commission’s leadership for the warm reception and expressed appreciation to the chairman and members for welcoming her into what she described as a “new professional family.”

She said the reception made her feel as though she had known members of the commission for years and acknowledged comments about her military background, expressing confidence that her experience would contribute meaningfully to the commission’s operations.

“I pray and hope that we are going to work together for the development and stability of this country. In God we stand, and in God we serve,” she said.

Manafa also prayed for the success of future elections and for the safety of electoral officials and their families, adding that she was honoured to take on the responsibility of serving in her new role.

INEC blames digital impersonation for viral posts linked to chairman

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had dismissed allegations of partisan social media activity linked to its leadership, stating that the controversy stems from digital impersonation rather than any involvement by the commission’s chairman.

INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, stated that the commission had already clarified that the chairman does not operate any personal account on X (formerly Twitter). He stressed that any posts attributed to such an account should not be regarded as official or authentic communications from the electoral body.