As his tenure nears its end, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has officially hinted at his impending exit during a regional electoral summit in Gambia.
Speaking at the extraordinary general assembly of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) in Banjul, Yakubu said this would be his final attendance as INEC Chair, sparking a fresh wave of political speculation over his replacement.
Yakubu’s absence earlier in the week had fueled rumors of his removal by President Bola Tinubu, particularly after a Labour Party delegation was received by Acting Chairman Sam Olumekun at the INEC headquarters.
The Commission, however, clarified that Yakubu was away for official duties in Gambia, and his position remains intact for now.
Addressing colleagues at the ECONEC meeting, Yakubu, who previously led the ECONEC Steering Committee, expressed concern over the retreat of democracy in West Africa, noting that while all regional countries were under democratic rule in 2017, four have since backslid into non-democratic governance.
He expressed hope for a democratic resurgence in the sub-region.
Meanwhile, attention is now shifting to who might succeed Yakubu and from which region the next INEC boss should emerge.
The discussion has already generated tension, with northern stakeholders urging President Tinubu to avoid a Southwestern nominee.
Critics argue that any move to appoint a Yoruba successor would only deepen suspicions of ethnic favoritism, especially given Tinubu’s existing appointments.
Some believe that appointing a Yoruba INEC Chair could precondition the outcome of the 2027 elections in favour of the incumbent president.
In response, Southwest elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain, Senator Femi Okurounmu, defended Tinubu’s right to appoint anyone he deems competent, stating, “Nobody should play up any ethnic sentiment now if Tinubu decides to pick a Yoruba man to replace Yakubu.”
Okurounmu also pointed out that since Nigeria’s independence, no Yoruba has ever headed the electoral commission—whether as FEDECO, NECON, or INEC.
He listed past chairmen, noting they have come from various regions, but none from the Southwest.
Northern elder, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, echoed a similar view, saying the President should not be pressured or distracted by ethnic debates.
“The constitution gives him the power to appoint the INEC Chairman,” he said, “and he has enough political experience to act in the nation’s interest.”
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) also dismissed attempts to influence Tinubu’s decision.
Its leader, Birtus Porgu, described the ongoing political lobbying as “a waste of time,” insisting the President is not one to bow to pressure.
In the same vein, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shetima, and the Director General of the National Consultative Front (NCFront), Wale Okunniyi, called for reforms that would take the power of appointing the INEC Chairman away from the presidency, advocating a more democratic process instead.
While the conversation continues, INEC spokesperson Rotimi Oyekanmi confirmed that Yakubu’s absence was simply due to his participation in the international meeting and had nothing to do with his tenure or status.
