Breaking: INEC REC slumps, dies in Abuja

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Ogun State, Niyi Ijalaye is dead.

Ijalaye slumped and died on Monday evening after a meeting of RECs at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

A source within Ogun INEC, who spoke under anonymity, said the Ondo-born REC had returned to his hotel room after the meeting before the incident happened.

CityNes Nigeria gathered that Ijalaye dressed in a blue-striped kaftan and a red cap, actively participated in all discussions during the meeting.

The meeting presided over by INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, focused on two off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, as well as the seven vacant positions in the National and State Assemblies.

Ijalaye was appointed as Ogun State’s REC in March 2022, following the transfer of his predecessor, Olusegun Agbaje, to Lagos State

The commission is yet to issue a confirmation statement on the reported death.