The Senate has approved the termination of the appointment of three Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from Abia, Adamawa, and Sokoto States over alleged electoral infractions during the 2023 general elections.

The decision follows an Executive Communication from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting the Senate to invoke Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to officially remove:

• Dr. Nura Ali – Sokoto State REC
• Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari – Adamawa State REC
• Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu – Abia State REC

Allegations Against the RECs

The three electoral officials were suspended in 2023 following reports of misconduct, which included:

• Dr. Nura Ali was indicted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly compromising the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections. He reportedly confessed to receiving $150,000 from politicians.
• Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari was suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari after he illegally declared the Adamawa governorship election results, usurping the power of the Returning Officer.
• Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu was accused of mishandling election logistics, abandoning the Governorship and State Assembly elections, and refusing to reschedule supplementary elections.

Senate’s Justification for Removal

Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that the removal aligns with the Senate’s constitutional duty to uphold electoral integrity and strengthen corporate governance in Nigeria.

“By virtue of Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate is empowered to embark on this legislative process, ensuring the removal of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners,” Akpabio stated.

He emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is one of the institutions subject to this constitutional provision, making the decision legally binding.

With the Senate’s approval supported by a two-thirds majority, the resolution will now be forwarded to President Tinubu for final action, officially sealing the fate of the three RECs.

This move is seen as part of the 10th Senate’s commitment to electoral accountability and ensuring that electoral officials uphold the rule of law and democratic principles in Nigeria.