Speculation continues to trail the future of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, following reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu allegedly directed him to proceed on terminal leave.
Despite the claim, Yakubu has continued to perform his duties as head of the electoral body. On Thursday, he chaired INEC’s weekly committee meeting, which reviewed critical preparations for upcoming polls, including the Anambra governorship election, the FCT Area Council election, and the party primaries in Ekiti and Osun States.
According to INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the meeting also approved the promotion of 471 junior staff (GL 03–06) on the recommendation of the Appointment, Promotion and Disciplinary Committee (APDC). Out of 515 shortlisted staff, 214 qualified for elevation.
Yakubu, who was first appointed as INEC Chairman in 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed for a second tenure in 2020, is due to complete his 10-year service in December 2025. He remains the only INEC boss to serve two terms since the commission’s establishment.
Meanwhile, a quarterly consultative meeting of INEC with political parties, scheduled to begin Wednesday, was suddenly postponed. While some link the development to the alleged presidential directive, no official confirmation has been made.
Reacting to the controversy, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, urged Nigerians to consult the 1999 Constitution before jumping to conclusions.
The Constitution clearly states in Section 154(1) that the appointment of an INEC Chairman is made by the President but requires Senate confirmation. For removal, Section 157(1) provides that only a presidential request supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate can legally unseat the INEC boss — not a unilateral directive.
As things stand, Yakubu continues in office, but the uncertainty has left political watchers questioning the stability of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of crucial polls.
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