The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has redeployed Alalibo Sinikiem as resident electoral commissioner (REC) for Rivers state, in an early administrative move signalling preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission confirmed that Sinikiem, who previously served in the same role in Rivers before postings to Cross River and Edo states, has resumed duties and met with staff at the state office.
At the meeting, Sinikiem thanked officials for their reception and urged a renewed focus on professionalism, teamwork and institutional discipline as the commission begins a fresh phase of electoral preparations.
His return coincides with the commencement of a statewide claims and objections exercise, a key step in cleaning up the voter register. Electoral officials have been tasked with ensuring effective service delivery throughout the process, which runs across INEC offices in all local government areas.
Speaking on behalf of staff, administrative secretary Angela Ebhodaghe pledged full cooperation with the REC and called on electoral officers to approach the exercise with diligence, given its importance to the credibility of the next election cycle.
The commission said the exercise, scheduled from 29 April to 5 May, follows the second phase of continuous voter registration and is designed to allow Nigerians to verify or correct their details. It also opens a window for the public to challenge suspicious entries, including those of underage registrants, deceased persons or non-citizens.
Geraldine Ekelemu, head of voter education and publicity in Rivers, confirmed Sinikiem’s redeployment and reiterated the commission’s call for public participation, describing the process as essential to building a credible voters’ register ahead of 2027.
With the memory of past electoral disputes still fresh, INEC’s early moves in Rivers – a politically sensitive state – suggest a deliberate effort to tighten administrative processes well before campaigning begins.
