President Bola Tinubu has reportedly directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure.
According to SaharaReporters, the directive followed concerns raised within the ruling All Progressives Congress over Yakubu’s handling of recent electoral matters. It was learnt that the issue came up during a meeting between the President and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, where allegations of “betrayal” of party interests were raised against the electoral chief.
The development has unsettled the commission, with some scheduled engagements with political parties and civil society groups said to have been put on hold.
INEC’s spokesperson, however, maintained that the chairman’s tenure is clearly defined by the 1999 Constitution and that due process must be followed in matters relating to removal or replacement.
Yakubu, who was first appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, is the first INEC boss to oversee two general elections. His second tenure is expected to lapse in late 2025.
As of press time, neither the Presidency nor Prof. Yakubu has officially confirmed the reported directive.