Festus Okoye, the former Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has retired from his position as a National Commissioner, four weeks after his five-year tenure officially ended. Okoye, who was sworn in by former President Muhammadu Buhari on July 25, 2018, represented the South-East geopolitical zone.
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While Okoye’s tenure concluded on July 24, 2023, questions have emerged about the possibility of his reappointment for a second term. Although he had only served a single term, President Bola Tinubu, responsible for reappointments subject to Senate confirmation, chose not to reappoint him.
The process of appointing the INEC chairman and commissioners involves presidential nomination, ratification by the Council of State, and confirmation by the Senate. As per section 154 of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate is mandated to screen nominees for INEC National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners. This constitutional provision aims to ensure a transparent and accountable selection process for these critical roles.
Festus Okoye, a legal professional, earned a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the University of Jos in 1984. He was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and pursued a Graduate Program in International Human Rights Law at the University of Minnesota as a Hubert Humphrey Fellow between 1993 and 1994. Okoye’s diverse legal background and experience contributed to his role as a National Commissioner.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, confirmed Okoye’s retirement. Oyekanmi stated that Okoye left the Independent National Electoral Commission on July 24, 2023, at the conclusion of his five-year tenure. Oyekanmi clarified that while National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners hold a five-year tenure, they are eligible for a second term of five years, which is not automatic.
Responding to concerns about Okoye’s continued listing on the INEC official website post-retirement, the INEC spokesperson dismissed reliance on the website as evidence. He emphasized that the website’s information might not be up-to-date and urged individuals to verify details at INEC headquarters.
Okoye’s retirement has sparked discussions about the transparency and governance of key appointments within the electoral body, raising questions about the potential impact on INEC’s operations and the country’s electoral landscape.
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