Senate panel clears re-appointed Oyo REC for confirmation

The Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday cleared the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Dr Teller Adeniran, for confirmation as Electoral Commissioner.

Adeniran, who previously served for four years in Oyo State, was recently reappointed by President Bola Tinubu, who forwarded his name to the Senate for confirmation.

On Thursday, he appeared before the Senate Committee on INEC, chaired by former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong, for screening.

The committee, which includes members such as Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East) and Senator Samson Ekong (APC, Akwa Ibom South), reviewed Adeniran’s previous records as REC and concluded that he was fit and experienced enough to be confirmed by the Senate.

Lalong, while assessing the nominee, said he was impressed by the fact that Adeniran returned the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the last polls in Oyo State.

Lalong noted that such courage in the discharge of electoral duties was what Nigeria needed at a time when the Electoral Act 2022 was being reviewed by the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We are working towards the 2027 elections, and our actions and decisions will reflect on the outcome of the process.

“That is why we need people with the requisite experience and integrity to defend the system,” the former governor stated.

When asked to address the committee, Adeniran spoke of how he implemented measures in Oyo State to ensure that transparency and fairness were the guiding principles for the integrity of the process.

He noted that the introduction of BVAS and IReV was “a game changer” that contributed to the success of the last polls.

The nominee also highlighted challenges such as interference and the herculean task of result collation.

He advocated for a transparent result management system, which he hoped would be recommended in future amendments to the electoral law.

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