National Commissioner Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun was born July 9, 1954, in Okitipupa, Ondo State. A distinguished public servant with over four decades of experience in governance and electoral management, Mr Olumekun has dedicated his career to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. His professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence, integrity, and service to the nation, qualities that have positioned him as one of Nigeria’s most respected electoral administrators.

Mr Olumekun’s academic credentials provide a strong foundation for his leadership role at INEC. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Lagos, Akoka, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. His commitment to professional development is demonstrated through his participation in prestigious international programs, including advanced courses at the London Management Centre’s Department of Strategies and Techniques of Management and the Manchester Business School’s International Top Executives Leadership Program. He was also at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University. Sam, as he is fondly called, is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD). He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Mining. Having attended Senior Executive Course 23 (SEC23) in 2001 at the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies.

Before joining INEC, Mr Olumekun built an exemplary career in Nigeria’s civil service, rising steadily through various senior positions across different departments and ministries of government. He served with distinction as Permanent Secretary in the Ondo State Government House, where he demonstrated exceptional administrative capabilities. His transition into electoral management began with his appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in multiple states, most notably are; Ogun, Ekiti, Edo and Lagos State, where he successfully managed complex electoral processes in one of Nigeria’s most politically significant and densely populated states.

On February 23, 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Mr Olumekun as National Commissioner of INEC, representing the South-West. This appointment, alongside five other Commissioners, elevated him to INEC’s highest decision-making body, where he participates in shaping critical policies and strategies that govern Nigeria’s electoral processes. His role involves making vital decisions regarding electoral regulations, reforms, and initiatives that directly impact the nation’s democratic development and electoral integrity.

In September 2023, Mr Olumekun was appointed Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC). As IVEC Chairman, he serves as INEC’s primary policy spokesperson, overseeing public communications, voter education programs, media relations, and information dissemination. Under his leadership, the committee has focused on combating misinformation, promoting responsible journalism, and ensuring transparent communication with stakeholders. He has led numerous media engagements ahead of major elections and consistently emphasised the importance of accurate reporting and voter education in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes.

Mr Olumekun is recognised for his calm, professional leadership style and technical competence in electoral management. His approach emphasises transparency, collaboration with stakeholders, and evidence-based decision-making. He has been instrumental in providing regular updates on voter registration statistics, managing political party registration processes, and advocating for electoral integrity. His measured approach to public engagement and emphasis on building partnerships with media organisations have contributed significantly to enhancing public confidence in INEC’s operations.

As National Commissioner and Chairman of IVEC, Mr Olumekun continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s electoral landscape. His leadership comes at a critical time when the nation faces challenges related to electoral credibility and misinformation. Through his dedication to transparency, voter education, and responsible governance, he remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring that INEC fulfils its constitutional mandate of conducting free, fair, and credible elections. His extensive experience and principled approach to public service position him as a key contributor to Nigeria’s ongoing democratic development.

In addition to his role at IVEC, Mr Sam Olumekun also serves primarily as Chairman of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EPMC). In this capacity, he oversees the registration and monitoring of political parties to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.