The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has signaled the end of his tenure. He bid farewell to colleagues at a regional election conference in Banjul, Gambia.
“This is my final appearance as INEC Chairman, as my tenure ends later this year,” Yakubu said at the extraordinary general assembly of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC).
Yakubu called for greater collaboration among West African election management bodies. He expressed optimism about the restoration of democracy in countries currently under military rule in the region.
Yakubu’s remarks come amid speculation about his removal by President Bola Tinubu. The speculation followed his absence at INEC’s office during a visit by opposition party leaders. However, his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, clarified that Yakubu was on an official assignment abroad.
“The INEC Chairman was on an official assignment abroad, and National Commissioner Sam Olumekun was acting in his absence,” Oyekanmi said.
Search for Yakubu’s Successor Intensifies
As the search for Yakubu’s successor intensifies, discussions among regional and political leaders are ongoing regarding the appointment process.
Some argue that the next INEC Chairman should come from a region outside the Southwest. Others emphasize the need for competence over regional or ethnic considerations.
Yakubu’s tenure as INEC Chairman officially expires in November 2025.
“The selection should prioritize credibility, competence, and fairness, rather than regional representation,” some leaders argued.
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