Jega, six INEC commissioners leave office

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, today bowed out of office after five years at the helm of the election agency.

Six other national commissioners also ended their tenure Tuesday.

At a brief ceremony at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Jega handed over to a national commissioner, Mohammed Wali from Sokoto state, who becomes acting chairman of the commission.

Mr. Jega was appointed in June 2010 by former President Goodluck Jonathan, suceeding Maurice Iwu.

He conducted two general elections – 2011 and 2015.

Mr. Jega, shortly after the last general election which held on March 28 and April 11, said he would not be seeking for a fresh term in office.

He also said he would decline the offer of renewal if granted.

Mr. Jega is the only chairman of the electoral body to conduct two general elections in Nigeria’s electoral history.

The 2015 elections is believed one of Nigeria’s fairest and freest polls.