Tinubu Orders INEC Chairman Yakubu to Proceed on Leave, Moves to Nominate Successor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure, according to insider sources cited by Sahara Reporters. The move is said to follow allegations of what Tinubu’s allies described as Yakubu’s “last-minute betrayal” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government that appointed him.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma reportedly briefed the president shortly after Tinubu’s return from a 12-day working vacation, claiming Yakubu’s approval of new political party registrations at the tail end of his tenure disrupted preparations for the president’s re-election bid. Uzodimma also alleged that the INEC boss was secretly backing a candidate in the upcoming Imo governorship election. Following these claims, Tinubu asked Yakubu to step aside and suspend official duties, leading to the abrupt cancellation of scheduled meetings with political parties and civil society organisations.

The president is now expected to nominate a successor to the National Assembly in the coming days. Yakubu, first appointed in 2015 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, was due to conclude his tenure soon. However, the sudden directive has thrown the commission’s calendar into uncertainty.

The development comes amid concerns about alleged political interference in the appointment of the next INEC chairman. Reports have linked former Delta State Governor James Ibori to behind-the-scenes efforts to install his ally, Moses Ogbe, in the role. Ibori, a convicted ex-governor who served time in the United Kingdom for fraud, has maintained considerable influence in Nigerian politics. His past maneuvers include securing strategic appointments for close associates and family members.

Ogbe, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner under Prof. Maurice Iwu, has faced accusations of participating in electoral malpractice, particularly during Nigeria’s widely discredited 2007 elections. His tenure as REC in Lagos State during the 2003 polls also drew criticism for irregularities under then-Governor Bola Tinubu.

Observers note that Tinubu has a history of working closely with individuals he has previously relied on, a pattern evident in his political rise from Lagos governor to president. The unfolding events at INEC raise fresh questions about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral body as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

Earlier this month, INEC formally 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 leadership disputes within the party. The commission also confirmed other new national officers, including Dr. Mani Ibrahim as Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as Financial Secretary, and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as Legal Adviser.