Rhoda Gumus | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 21, 1953 Koroama, Bayelsa State |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Education | MSc, Rivers State University of Science and Technology; PhD, Loughborough University |
| Alma mater | Loughborough University Rivers State University of Science and Technology |
| Occupation | Electoral Commissioner |
| Years active | 2023-date |
| Organization | National Electoral Commission |
| Website | inecnigeria |
Rhoda Gumus is a Nigerian professor of chemical engineering. She is a Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria. She was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari [1] and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on 2 February 2022. [2]
Gumus was born on 21 July 1953 in Koroama town of Bayelsa State. She studied for a Higher National Diploma from the College of Science and Technology, Rivers State and a Master of Technology in Chemical Engineering from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. She further obtained a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Loughborough University, UK. [3]
Gumus's appointment as a National Electoral commissioner by President Buhari became controversial in 2022 due to allegations that she was a member of the All Progressives Congress. [4] A purported "party membership card" was widely reported and copiously reproduced by newspapers across Nigeria as belonging to Gumus. [5] The main opposition party in Nigeria, the People's Democratic Party rejected her appointment and confirmation by the Senate. [6] [7] Citizens wrote several petitions against her nomination and the senate was criticised for not publicly addressing those petitions before her confirmation. [8] [9] Gumus denied membership of any political party. She threatened legal action against the Concerned Nigerians Group (CNG) a civil rights group and other news sources who had carried the news and demanded a retraction. [10] [11] The CNG however replied that they were willing to meet in court over the allegations. [12]
During the Edo State Governorship election which took place on 21 September 2024, Gumus was reported as saying "I am in charge, I wont take bribes...nobody will try me". [13] [14] [15] The election is keenly contested between All Progressives Congress, the People's Democratic Party and the Labour Party [16] [17] and Gumus' statement comes against the backdrop of perceptions that Nigeria's partisan elections are heavily influenced by corruption. [18] [19]