The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs has exonerated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of significant breaches in its recruitment and infrastructure allocation processes, following an extensive investigative hearing into alleged marginalisation and irregular appointments.

After the high-profile session, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, who chairs the Committee, stated that although some disparities were identified in INEC’s workforce distribution across states, the Commission was found to be more equitable in its approach than many other federal agencies. He specifically cited Lagos, Bayelsa, and Rivers as states with comparatively fewer INEC staff but stressed that no evidence of systemic exclusion or deliberate misconduct was uncovered.

The probe was initiated after allegations surfaced regarding covert recruitment exercises allegedly undertaken by INEC between 2017 and 2021 without the necessary waivers or certificates of compliance from the Federal Character Commission. The Senate mandated its Committee to investigate recruitment, appointments, promotions, and infrastructure development within federal agencies to ensure adherence to federal character principles and promote national cohesion.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, appeared before the Committee alongside National Commissioners and the Commission’s Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, to defend the Commission’s employment record. Professor Yakubu clarified that there had been no major recruitment drive since 2013 and that recent hires were limited to security personnel for local offices — appointments made based on state-level, not federal character, considerations.

He highlighted two exceptional cases in which individuals were employed on compassionate grounds: one being a deceased National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was killed while on election duty, and the other an individual who lost their eyesight while serving with INEC.

Professor Yakubu disclosed that INEC currently employs around 14,000 personnel across 800 offices nationwide, with representation in all 774 local government areas of the country.

The Committee, in its report, commended INEC’s transparency during the investigation and praised Professor Yakubu’s leadership. “INEC’s engagement and clarity in defending their processes have been exemplary; it is the best we have seen,” said Senator Onyesoh. He noted that while no major infractions were identified, the Committee would continue to monitor the implementation of suggested improvements and maintain oversight.

Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East) acknowledged minor gaps in INEC’s documentation and encouraged the Commission to provide supplementary details to ensure inclusive representation. Similarly, Senator Amos Yohanna (Adamawa North) urged INEC to rectify observed imbalances in its future recruitment exercises.