Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is scheduled to conclude his second and final term in office by the end of 2025. Appointed in December 2020, Yakubu has played a central role in overseeing Nigeria’s electoral system, including the successful coordination of several bye-elections shortly after taking office.
Recent claims circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Professor Yakubu have been categorically denied. The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, debunked the rumors, describing them as baseless and urging the public to disregard such misinformation.
Similarly, O’tega Ogra, a Senior Adviser in the Presidency, affirmed that any announcement regarding Yakubu’s position would be made through official government channels. He confirmed that no such decision to remove the INEC boss has been made.
How INEC Chair is Appointed
As Yakubu’s tenure draws to a close, attention is turning to the process of selecting his replacement. The appointment of a new INEC Chairman follows a clearly defined constitutional procedure. It involves nomination by the President, background checks by the Department of State Services (DSS), input from the National Council of State, and final confirmation by the Senate.
This rigorous multi-stage process is designed to ensure transparency, merit, and adherence to democratic principles in the appointment of the nation’s top electoral officer.
Yakubu’s Track Record and Contributions
Since assuming leadership of the electoral body, Yakubu has overseen critical phases of Nigeria’s democratic development, including implementing reforms aimed at enhancing election integrity. His tenure has seen increased efforts toward the use of technology in voting processes and improved voter education initiatives.
Before joining INEC, Professor Yakubu served in several academic and public service roles, where he made significant contributions to education and national policy development.
INEC’s Role in Nigeria’s Democracy
INEC, established in 1998, is Nigeria’s constitutionally empowered electoral institution. It is tasked with conducting federal, state, and local government elections, ensuring they are free, fair, and credible. The commission also oversees voter registration, the delineation of electoral constituencies, and the regulation of political parties.
Over the years, INEC has introduced technological advancements such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to strengthen electoral credibility. It continues to play a vital role in safeguarding the democratic process and fostering electoral reforms across the country.
