By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Before INEC, different electoral bodies existed at various times, such as the Electoral Commission of Nigeria (ECN) in 1958 and the Federal Electoral Commission (FEC) in 1960, which organized elections in the early years of Nigeria’s independence.
During military rule, different commissions managed elections, but many were dissolved after government changes. In 1995, General Sani Abacha’s government created the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria, but it was later replaced by INEC in 1998 under General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
INEC successfully organized the 1999 elections that restored democracy in Nigeria. Over the years, INEC has conducted multiple elections, facing challenges such as security issues and accusations of unfair practices.
| No | Name | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eyo Esua | 1964 – 1966 |
| 2 | Michael Ani | 1976 – 1979 |
| 3 | Victor Ovie-Whiskey | 1980 – 1983 |
| 4 | Eme Awa | 1987 – 1989 |
| 5 | Humphrey Nwosu | 1989 – 1993 |
| 6 | Okon Uya | June 1993 – November 1993 |
| 7 | Sumner Dagogo-Jack | 1994 – 1998 |
| 8 | Ephraim Akpata | 1998 – 2000 |
| 9 | Abel Guobadia | 2000 – 2005 |
| 10 | Maurice Iwu | 2005 – 2010 |
| 11 | Attahiru Jega | 2010 – 2015 |
| 12 | Mahmood Yakubu | November 2015 – Present |
Credit: Naijadetails