President Bola Tinubu has started weighing options for a possible successor to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
His tenure ends in November after serving two terms.
Sources told Vanguard that names are already being suggested to replace Yakubu, with some of the candidates being former National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners.
According to Sahara Reporters, some of the names include Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun, a former Lagos REC, Moses Ogbe, another former REC and Kenneth Ukeagu, a billionaire INEC procurement director recently elevated to National Commissioner.
Tinubu is said to be careful in making the appointment, as political observers recalled the controversy that trailed former President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision in 2015, when he bypassed due process and appointed Amina Zakari as acting chairman before eventually naming Yakubu.
The Constitution requires the President to appoint an INEC chairman in consultation with the National Council of State, and such appointment must be confirmed by the Senate.
Civil society groups have urged Tinubu to ensure transparency in the process, stressing that only a neutral and credible candidate can help safeguard confidence in the 2027 elections.
Opposition parties, including the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, have warned that lobbying by political actors to install a “loyal” replacement could compromise INEC’s independence ahead of the polls.
Yakubu, who assumed office in October 2015, oversaw the 2019 and 2023 general elections, as well as several off-cycle governorship elections, during his tenure.
I suggest Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun
Mike IGINI should be the number one on the list but, the Nigerian System do not encourage such upright men.
I suggest that a credible and the most qualified be meritoriously appointed as the next INEC Chairman.