Tinubu Reportedly Orders INEC Boss Yakubu to Step Aside

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on leave before the expiration of his tenure. A report by Sahara Reporters stated that the move followed a meeting with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is said to have accused the INEC boss of working against the ruling party’s interests by registering new political parties and backing a governorship candidate in Imo State.

The directive has disrupted INEC’s schedule, with Mahmood’s final consultative meetings with political parties and civil society organisations abruptly cancelled. Tinubu is expected to submit a replacement nominee to the National Assembly in the coming days. Mahmood, first appointed in 2015 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, was nearing the end of his tenure.

Attention has now shifted to who might succeed him. Former Delta State Governor James Ibori is alleged to be lobbying for his ally and kinsman, Moses Ogbe, to be appointed as the next INEC Chairman. Political observers fear this could give Ibori significant influence over the 2027 elections, building on his record of securing key appointments for allies and family members.

Ogbe’s past as a Resident Electoral Commissioner under Prof. Maurice Iwu has drawn scrutiny, with critics pointing to his involvement in elections widely regarded as flawed.