Plans are underway to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yakubu, who has served two terms, will complete his tenure in November.
Investigations reveal that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is yet to be fully involved in the selection process, key figures within and outside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa have already begun strategizing. These individuals, who are known allies of the President, are working to influence the appointment of Yakubu’s successor.
Leading this effort is said to be a former South-South governor, a member of the 1999 political class. Their goal is to install a candidate who will be loyal and easily controlled, raising concerns about the credibility of future elections.
Nigeria’s electoral body has faced intense criticism following the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-season elections. Amid declining public trust in INEC, the appointment of a new chairman is seen as a crucial step in restoring confidence in the electoral system.
Sources indicate that several names have been proposed for the position, though none have been officially disclosed. However, those being considered include former National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) with questionable track records. Their main qualification appears to be their willingness to comply with political influence, rather than their ability to conduct free and fair elections.
The ongoing discussions about Yakubu’s replacement have drawn comparisons to a controversial decision made by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
On June 30, 2015, Buhari, who had just taken office, ignored established procedures and appointed Amina Bala Zakari, a relative, as acting INEC chairman. This move overruled the handover process initiated by the outgoing chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, who had designated Ambassador (Dr.) Ahmed Wali as his successor based on seniority.
Zakari’s appointment led to national outcry, forcing Buhari to reverse his decision months later. On October 21, 2015, he appointed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the substantive INEC chairman. Yakubu then went on to oversee the controversial 2019 and 2023 elections, both of which faced allegations of irregularities.
With the ball now in Tinubu’s court, sources close to the presidency say the president understands the importance of free and fair elections.
A senior Aso Rock insider told Vanguard, “His declaration that NYSC members should be used to support the conduct of the coming census is not just about saving costs alone but about ensuring credibility of the process. It is the same way he is looking at the appointment of who will succeed Professor Yakubu. He wants a credible process, and he wants to help ensure that Nigerians’ confidence in INEC is not shaken.”