With Professor Mahmood Yakubu set to conclude his tenure as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in November 2025, concerns are growing over the credibility of his eventual successor.
Reports indicate that political figures and insiders within the Aso Rock Presidential Villa are working behind the scenes to influence the appointment process.
According to an exclusive report by Vanguard Newspaper, a former South-South governor from the 1999 political class is allegedly spearheading efforts to ensure a politically compliant individual takes over the electoral body. While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has yet to be fully briefed on the matter, his close associates are reportedly involved in the selection strategy.
“The option being considered is the nomination and confirmation of a malleable individual as Yakubu’s successor,” Vanguard stated.
Some of the individuals being positioned for the role previously served as National Commissioners or Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), but concerns have been raised over their ability to conduct free and fair elections.
Citing constitutional provisions, Vanguard emphasized that INEC’s independence is safeguarded under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution. The appointment process for the INEC Chairman and Commissioners requires consultation with the Council of State and Senate confirmation, as outlined in Section 154.
The report warns that appointing a politically compromised figure could further erode confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, which has already faced significant criticism following the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-season polls.
Drawing parallels to past controversies, Vanguard recalled former President Muhammadu Buhari’s controversial appointment of Amina Bala Zakari—allegedly a family relation—as acting INEC Chairman in 2015, despite Ambassador Ahmed Wali being the most senior Commissioner at the time. The delay in appointing a substantive chairman led to public outcry, with civil society organizations and the media raising concerns about potential electoral bias.
With voter apathy on the rise and turnout in Nigerian elections dropping from 52.3% in 1999 to just 26.7% in 2023, Vanguard stresses the urgent need for electoral reforms. The report urges President Tinubu to prioritize credibility in appointing Yakubu’s successor, ensuring that Nigeria’s democratic process is not compromised by political interests.
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