Tinubu Sends Jamila Abubakar to INEC, Ismail Yusuf to Head NAHCON – Seeks Swift Senate Confirmation

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate of Nigeria to confirm two key appointments: Retired Admiral Jamila Abubakar as National Commissioner representing Adamawa at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Ambassador Ismail Yusuf as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The letters, read at plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, mark the next step in formalising leadership at two critical federal institutions.

Jamila Abubakar for INEC Commissioner

President Tinubu cited Section 154 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) in forwarding Abubakar’s nomination. He described the retired admiral’s appointment as essential for effective electoral administration and urged the Senate to consider the nomination promptly.

Following the reading, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on INEC, with a directive to report back within one week for further legislative scrutiny.

Ismail Yusuf to Chair NAHCON

In a separate letter, Tinubu also recommended Ambassador Ismail Yusuf as the new chairman of NAHCON, under Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2026. The President highlighted the urgency of confirming the appointment to ensure smooth preparations for upcoming pilgrimages.

Akpabio similarly referred Yusuf’s nomination to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, requesting a legislative report within a week.

Significance

The appointments come at a critical period ahead of the 2027 general elections and the next Hajj season, underscoring the government’s focus on timely leadership at both the electoral and religious pilgrimage bodies.

Senate confirmation of Abubakar and Yusuf will fill strategic leadership gaps and enable continuity in governance and electoral planning.