The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the appointment of Mrs. Augusta Chinwe Ogakwu as the new Secretary to the Commission. Her appointment was approved at the meeting of the Commission today, Thursday, July 9th, 2013, in Abuja.

She succeeds Abdullahi A. Kaugama, whose five-year tenure expired on June 26, 2013.

Mrs. Ogakwu will assume the new office from her present position as Director, Legal Services Department in INEC. She had assumed that position in April 2013, after serving as the Head of Unit / Director, Alternative Disputes Resolution since May 2009. She was also Acting Director, Legal Services Department from May 2003 to September 2005.

She joined INEC in 1998 as Chief Legal Officer, from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) where she rose to the position of Assistant Chief Legal Officer. She was also a private Legal Practitioner at various times.

The new Secretary holds a Masters Degree in Law from the University of Lagos, besides several professional accreditations in the field of Law, WorkPlace Conflict Management and Resolution and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). She has also undergone intensive Executive Leadership Training as part of her professional development. Her professional certifications include being Fellow, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) (Nigeria); Completion Certificates, United States Institute of Peace (USIP); Member International Dispute Resolution Institute (IDRI) among many others.

Kayode Robert Idowu
Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman