Plans are in motion to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as his second term nears its end in November 2025, ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Investigations reveal that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not yet fully engaged in the selection process, influential figures within and outside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa have already begun maneuvering to shape the appointment of Yakubu’s successor.
Sources indicate that a former South-South governor, a prominent member of the 1999 political class and a known ally of the President, is spearheading efforts to install a loyal and pliable candidate. This development has sparked concerns about the potential erosion of electoral integrity, with critics warning that such an appointment could further undermine public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Yakubu, who has led INEC since October 2015, oversaw the 2019 and 2023 general elections, both marred by allegations of irregularities and widespread criticism. The 2023 polls, in particular, drew intense scrutiny, with subsequent off-season elections adding to the growing discontent over INEC’s performance. As Yakubu’s tenure concludes, the appointment of his successor is widely regarded as a pivotal moment to restore confidence in the embattled institution.
Though no official candidates have been named, sources suggest that several former National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) are under consideration. However, their rumored qualifications appear to hinge more on their susceptibility to political influence than on proven competence in ensuring free and fair elections, raising red flags among observers.
The unfolding situation echoes a controversial episode from 2015, when former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Amina Bala Zakari, a relative, as acting INEC chairman shortly after taking office. On June 30, 2015, Buhari bypassed the handover process outlined by outgoing Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega, who had designated Ambassador (Dr.) Ahmed Wali as his successor based on seniority. Zakari’s appointment triggered a national uproar, forcing Buhari to reverse course and appoint Yakubu as substantive chairman on October 21, 2015. Yakubu’s tenure, however, failed to fully dispel doubts about INEC’s independence.
With President Tinubu now tasked with selecting Yakubu’s replacement, sources close to the presidency insist he is committed to a credible process. A senior Aso Rock insider, speaking to Vanguard, highlighted Tinubu’s recent decision to involve National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in the upcoming national census as evidence of his focus on transparency. “It’s not just about saving costs—it’s about ensuring credibility,” the insider said. “That’s the same approach he’s taking with INEC. He wants Nigerians to have confidence in the electoral system.”
As discussions intensify, the stakes remain high. The appointment of a new INEC chairman could either bolster hopes for a fair 2027 election or deepen skepticism about Nigeria’s democratic institutions, depending on the direction Tinubu chooses to take. For now, the nation watches closely as the political chess game unfolds in Abuja.
