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Who runs Nigeria’s Elections?

Nigeria’s elections are managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the body responsible for organising, conducting and supervising elections across the country. INEC was established in 1998 as an independent electoral management body, replacing the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON). Its responsibilities include voter registration, election planning, conducting elections, announcing results and regulating political party activities.

From the Chairman to Your Polling Unit

Here’s a visual overview of how INEC operates, from the Chairman and National Commissioners at the top to the officials responsible for managing elections at the state, local government, ward and polling unit levels.

  1. INEC Chairman

    Head of the Independent National Electoral Commission and Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation.

    Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN

    Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN

    The Chairman is appointed by the President of Nigeria, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The Chairman serves as the head of INEC and Chief Electoral Commissioner.

  2. National Commissioners

    The Chairman works with the National Commissioners, who constitute the Commission and oversee different areas of INEC’s work.

    • Mr. Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun, MNI

      Mr. Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun, MNI

    • Engr. Prof. Rhoda Habor Gumus

      Engr. Prof. Rhoda Habor Gumus

    • Prof. Sunday Nwambam Aja

      Prof. Sunday Nwambam Aja

    • Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu

      Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu

    • Mr. Mohammed Haruna

      Mr. Mohammed Haruna

    • Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu

      Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu

    • Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru

      Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru

    • Prof. Sani Muhammad Adam, SAN

      Prof. Sani Muhammad Adam, SAN

    • Alhaji Abdulrazaq Tukur Yusuf

      Alhaji Abdulrazaq Tukur Yusuf

    • Prof. Kunle Ajayi

      Prof. Kunle Ajayi

    National Commissioners are also appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation. Together with the Chairman, they form the Commission.

  3. National Headquarters

    Located in F.C.T Abuja this is where INEC’s national administration coordinates electoral operations across Nigeria.

    Plot 436, Zambezi Crescent, Maitama District, Abuja, Nigeria.

  4. Resident Electoral Commissioners

    There are 37 RECs, covering 36 states + the Federal Capital Territory. Each REC is responsible for INEC’s operations within their assigned state/FCT.

    See all 37 RECs

    RECs are appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation. Each REC heads INEC’s office in a state or the FCT.

  5. Administrative Secretary

    Works within the state INEC office and supports the REC in the administration and coordination of electoral activities.

  6. Electoral Officer — EO

    The Electoral Officer heads INEC’s office at the Local Government Area level. Nigeria has 774 LGAs, meaning this is the level where INEC’s operations become much closer to individual communities.

  7. Assistant Electoral Officer — AEO

    Supports the Electoral Officer with activities within the LGA.

  8. Registration Area Officers

    These officers operate at the Registration Area/Ward level, supporting electoral and voter-registration activities.

  9. Polling Unit Officials

    These are the officials voters actually interact with on election day: the Presiding Officer, the Assistant Presiding Officers, and other deployed election officials.