Reports emerged on Wednesday night that President Bola Tinubu has allegedly directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on terminal leave ahead of the expiration of his two-term, 10-year tenure in the first week of December 2025.If You’re Reading From Phoenix Click On Read Original at the top To Read Full Article
Yakubu, first appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and reappointed for a second term, has been at the helm of the commission for a decade. No previous INEC Chairman has served two full terms. The reported directive reportedly led to the abrupt cancellation of Yakubu’s final quarterly consultative meeting with political parties and a planned session with civil society organisations, raising questions about the commission’s operational schedule.
Responding to the report, INEC Chief Press Secretary Rotimi Oyekanmi urged Nigerians to consult the 1999 Constitution, noting that Section 154(1) outlines the appointment process while Section 157(1) provides safeguards against arbitrary removal of the INEC Chairman.
According saharareporters Insider sources claimed the directive followed allegations that Yakubu undermined the All Progressives Congress (APC) government by attempting last-minute registration of new political parties and covertly backing a candidate in the Imo State governorship election. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma reportedly briefed President Tinubu on these issues after the president returned from a 12-day working vacation.
Following the briefing, Tinubu allegedly instructed Yakubu to suspend official duties and proceed on terminal leave. The president is now expected to submit a nominee for INEC Chairman to the National Assembly in the coming days.
The developments come amid reports that former Delta State Governor James Ibori is maneuvering to position his associate, Moses Ogbe, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) under Prof. Maurice Iwu, as the next INEC Chairman. Investigations reveal Ogbe has a history of alleged electoral manipulation dating back to the 2003 and 2007 elections, raising concerns about potential interference in future electoral processes.
Meanwhile, INEC recently recognised former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ending months of internal party wrangling. Dr. Mani Ibrahim was confirmed as National Treasurer, alongside Akibu Dalhatu and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, appointed as National Financial Secretary and National Legal Adviser, respectively. The names have been officially uploaded to INEC’s website.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
