INEC Removes Sokoto REC, Directs State Administrative Secretary To Carry On With Guber Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Sokoto State, Dr. Nura Ali.

This online platform earlier reported that the commission directed the state administrative secretary, Barrister Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa to take over the activities of the Commission in the state. Dr. Ali’s removal is contained in a letter No. INECSEC442V.II dated 6th March 2023, signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Onaran-Anthony and addressed to the REC.

The Commission directed the REC “to stay away from the Commission’s office in Sokoto State immediately until further notice. ”The letter did not however state why Dr. Ali was asked to keep away from the INEC office.

We gathered that the Commission’s action may not be unconnected to its Chairman’s threat to stop those found wanting, from participating in the forthcoming governorship and House of Assembly elections. This is to inform you of the Commission’s decision for you (Dr. Nura Ali), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sokoto State to stay away from the Commission’s office in Sokoto State immediately until further notice. The Administrative Secretary is directed to take full charge of INEC, Sokoto State with immediate effect.

Please, accept the assurances of the Commission’s warm regards. Meanwhile, the commission has directed the Administrative Secretary of of the Commission in Sokoto State, Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa, to take over the activities of the Commission, including the forthcoming governorship election from the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Nura Ali. The letter No. INEC/SECI442V.I dated March 6, 2023, and signed by Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, did not state the reason for the take over.