In a decisive action to uphold electoral integrity, the Nigerian Senate has dismissed three Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) accused of misconduct.
This follows a request from President Bola Tinubu, invoking constitutional provisions that allow for the removal of public officials over incompetence or ethical breaches.
The officials affected by this decision are Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto), Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari (Adamawa), and Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu (Abia).
Their removal comes after prior suspensions in 2023 due to allegations ranging from electoral fraud to dereliction of duty.
Security assessments by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly linked Dr. Ali to election malpractice, with claims that he admitted to accepting a $150,000 bribe.
Similarly, Barr. Ari faced disciplinary action under former President Muhammadu Buhari for announcing election results outside his jurisdiction.
Prof. Uzochukwu, on the other hand, was accused of poor handling of election logistics and failure to oversee supplementary polls.
With a two-thirds majority vote, the Senate endorsed their dismissal, citing the need for accountability in the electoral system. The decision has been formally communicated to the Presidency for implementation.
