September 24, 2025-Published by Cyril

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on terminal leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure.

According to insider sources, the move followed allegations of a “last-minute betrayal” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government that appointed him.

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Reports indicate that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma met with President Tinubu shortly after his return from a 12-day working vacation, claiming that Mahmood Yakubu’s attempt to register new political parties towards the end of his tenure disrupted Tinubu’s re-election strategy. Uzodimma also alleged that Yakubu was covertly backing a candidate in the Imo governorship election.

Following the briefing, Tinubu reportedly asked Mahmood to suspend all official duties, resulting in the abrupt cancellation of INEC’s scheduled quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, as well as a planned session with civil society organizations.

The president is now expected to nominate a new INEC Chairman for confirmation by the National Assembly in the coming days.

Mahmood Yakubu’s Appointment

Prof. Yakubu was first appointed as INEC Chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015, taking over from Amina Zakari, who served in an acting capacity.

James Ibori’s Alleged Influence

Earlier this year, NaijaBlogDaily reported that a powerful political figure from Oghara, Delta State, was lobbying for the appointment of a compromised candidate as INEC Chairman.

Former Delta State Governor James Ibori, who previously served a prison term in the UK for corruption, was said to be pushing for his associate and kinsman, Moses Ogbe, to take over the position.

Ogbe, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) during Prof. Maurice Iwu’s tenure, is alleged to have played a role in widespread electoral malpractice, including the highly criticized 2007 general elections. His time as REC in Lagos State during the 2003 elections was also linked to irregularities under then-Governor Tinubu.

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Political analysts suggest that Tinubu often surrounds himself with figures he has worked with in the past, citing the example of current Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who once served as Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer in 1999 while holding the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Recent INEC Updates

Earlier in September, INEC recognized new leadership within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after months of internal disputes. Former Senate President David Mark was confirmed as National Chairman, with former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary. Other newly recognized officers include Dr. Mani Ibrahim as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

The updated list of ADC leaders has already been published on INEC’s official website.

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