Rivers gets new REC as INEC begins update of voters’ register

As Nigeria gears up for the crucial 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made a significant personnel change in Rivers State, redeploying Dr. Johnson Sinikiem as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). Dr. Sinikiem, who brings prior experience from serving as REC in Cross River and Edo states, returns to Rivers State with a mandate to oversee the vital process of updating the voters' register.

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His resumption was marked by an official meeting with the commission's management and staff at the INEC headquarters in Port Harcourt. During the meeting, Dr. Sinikiem stressed the importance of renewed commitment, teamwork, and collaboration among electoral officers. This emphasis on internal cohesion and dedication is crucial as INEC embarks on the claims and objections exercise, a key phase in ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the voters' register.

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The new Rivers REC called for renewed commitment to duty, teamwork, and collaboration in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The ongoing exercise, which runs from April 29th to May 5th, allows registered voters to verify their details and enables the public to raise objections regarding the inclusion of ineligible individuals, such as foreigners or the deceased. From a Rivers State perspective, this electoral update is fundamental to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process in 2027. The INEC's proactive approach, highlighted by the new REC's call for diligence, aims to build confidence in the electoral system and guarantee that the final voters' register accurately reflects the electorate.

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The exercise is to enable those, who registered, transferred or updated their registration details to verify their information and check for omission or error.