ELECTION: INEC Reshuffles Taraba Leadership as Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris Takes Over as REC.

By Jako Keke, April 17, 2026.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a change in leadership at its Taraba State office following a recent redeployment of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country.

In a press release issued in Jalingo, INEC confirmed that Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris has assumed duty as the 22nd Resident Electoral Commissioner for Taraba State. His appointment took effect on April 15, 2026.

Dr. Idris takes over from Alhaji Umar Mukhtar Gajiram, who has been redeployed to Gombe State.

Prior to his redeployment, Dr. Idris served as REC in Gombe State, where he was credited with providing strategic leadership and strengthening electoral administration in line with the Commission’s mandate.

A seasoned administrator and academic, Dr. Idris brings over three decades of experience in the Nigerian public service, with expertise in training, capacity development, and institutional management. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, where he graduated as the best student in his department.

He also obtained a Master’s degree in Business Studies (Human Resource Management) from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, and later earned a Ph.D. in Labour Economics from Renmin University of China under a Chinese Government scholarship.

Throughout his career, Dr. Idris has held several strategic positions, including Director-General of The Electoral Institute (TEI), the research and training arm of INEC. He also served in various capacities such as Acting Director-General and Director of Training at TEI, as well as holding roles with the National Board for Technical Education and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission in Abuja.

He is a member and fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Management, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, and the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria, where he serves as a council member and ambassador.

INEC noted that Dr. Idris has authored several scholarly works on elections, electoral administration, and political development, and has participated in numerous international conferences focused on electoral reforms.

The Commission expressed confidence in his ability to further strengthen the electoral process in Taraba State and assured stakeholders of its continued commitment to credible elections.

INEC also commended the outgoing REC, Alhaji Gajiram, for his contributions during his tenure in Taraba State and wished him success in his new assignment in Gombe State.

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