The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced the promotion of 471 junior staff members following its weekly meeting held on Thursday.

In a press release signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, on Thursday, the commission said the exercise was approved on the recommendation of the Appointment, Promotion and Disciplinary Committee and was conducted in line with the Staff Conditions of Service.

“A total of 515 staff were shortlisted for the exercise, out of which 214 met the requirements for promotion to GL07, 134 to GL06, 106 to GL05 and 17 to GL04,” the statement read.

According to Olumekun, “The promotion of junior staff concludes the first phase of the exercise. Next is the promotion of senior staff, which has also commenced in earnest.”

INEC described staff promotion as a routine but essential exercise.

“The commission remains committed to regular merit-based promotion and the welfare of staff,” it added.

The commission also encouraged its workforce to remain focused and dedicated, especially in light of the approaching elections.

“We urge all staff to rededicate themselves to service, particularly with regard to elections and electoral activities,” Olumekun stated.

According to the statement, the meeting, chaired by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, also reviewed ongoing preparations for key elections in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti and Osun states.

The announcement came amid speculation on Wednesday, suggesting that President Bola Tinubu had directed Yakubu to proceed on pre-retirement leave.

Yakubu, first appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, is expected to complete his second five-year term in November.

Under the 1999 Constitution, the appointment of a new INEC Chairman requires the President to consult the National Council of State—a body composed of former presidents, governors and other senior officials—before forwarding a nominee to the Senate for confirmation. (The PUNCH)