In a decisive move to clean up Nigeria’s electoral system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate’s approval to dismiss three suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The affected officials—Ike Uzochukwu (Abia), Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa), and Nura Ali (Sokoto)—were accused of electoral misconduct during the contentious 2023 general elections.
The President’s request was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, which was read during a plenary session on Wednesday. The letter underscored that the three commissioners had been suspended by INEC in March 2022, prior to Tinubu’s assumption of office, over allegations of compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
While presenting his case for their dismissal, Tinubu emphasized the importance of upholding electoral integrity, urging the Senate to act swiftly on the matter. The letter read in part:
> “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. While I trust that the Senate will consider this request expeditiously, please accept, distinguished senators and the distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
This move is widely seen as a signal of Tinubu’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s electoral body and ensuring transparency in future elections.
Tinubu Seeks Budget Increase to N54.2 Trillion
In a separate but equally significant development, President Tinubu has also written to the Senate seeking an increase in the 2025 national budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion. The proposal, which represents a N4.5 trillion increment, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations for thorough evaluation and swift consideration.
The request for additional funds is expected to generate intense debates in the National Assembly, as lawmakers scrutinize the rationale behind the budget hike amid economic challenges, rising inflation, and public concerns over government spending.
These two requests—the dismissal of the electoral commissioners and the budget increase—come at a critical time, with the administration facing growing scrutiny over governance and economic policies. Observers believe the Senate’s decision on both matters could shape the political landscape ahead of future elections and economic planning.
As the nation awaits the Senate’s verdict, the spotlight remains on President Tinubu’s administration and its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
PIONEER NEWS 