The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has confirmed that his tenure will end later this year. This announcement comes after rumors circulated online suggesting his removal from office by President Bola Tinubu, which were quickly debunked by the presidency .
Yakubu’s second term as INEC chairman is set to conclude by the end of 2025. He was initially appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and reappointed for a second term. Yakubu oversaw the 2019 and 2023 general elections, which were marred by controversy.
He emphasized the importance of electoral integrity and regional unity among West African countries.
Yakubu made the announcement at the Extraordinary General Assembly of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) in Banjul, The Gambia. He expressed gratitude to his ECOWAS counterparts for their support and collaboration, highlighting the need for continued cooperation to strengthen democracy in the region .