INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Still in Office Despite Report of Terminal Leave

Despite widespread speculation triggered by a recent media report, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, continues to function in his official capacity. The online newspaper report had suggested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the electoral chief to proceed on terminal leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure in December 2025. However, developments within the commission indicate otherwise.

On Thursday, Yakubu chaired INEC’s regular weekly management committee meeting, underscoring his active leadership. The meeting, according to the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, focused on upcoming elections and staff welfare.

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Promotions and Preparations

Olumekun disclosed that the meeting reviewed the commission’s preparations for the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election, the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the party primaries for the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections.

In a major administrative decision, the commission also approved the promotion of 471 deserving junior staff in the cadre of Grade Levels 03 to 06, based on the recommendations of the Appointment, Promotion and Disciplinary Committee (APDC). A total of 515 staff members were shortlisted for the exercise, with 214 meeting the criteria for elevation.

Olumekun emphasized that the exercise was conducted in line with INEC’s staff conditions of service, highlighting the commission’s commitment to merit-based career growth.

Yakubu’s Tenure and Legacy

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who was first appointed in 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, remains the only INEC Chairman to have secured a second term. His reappointment was confirmed by the Senate in December 2020, making him the longest-serving electoral chief in Nigeria’s history.

Yakubu’s decade-long leadership is set to conclude in the first week of December 2025, when his second five-year term officially ends. His tenure has been marked by landmark electoral reforms, including the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), both aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility in elections.

The recent media report alleging that Yakubu had been asked to step aside created unease among political observers, given the commission’s tight electoral calendar. Concerns were raised that his abrupt departure could disrupt preparations for key elections.

Confusion Over Postponed Consultations

The Guardian reported that INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, scheduled to begin on Wednesday with an interactive session, was abruptly postponed. This unexpected development fueled speculation about whether the alleged directive from the presidency had influenced the postponement.

However, no official link has been established, leaving the situation open to interpretation.

What the Constitution Says

In response to the speculation, Yakubu’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged Nigerians to consult the 1999 Constitution for clarity on the processes governing the appointment and removal of the INEC Chairman.

Section 154(1) of the Constitution provides that the appointment of the INEC Chairman must be made by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

More importantly, Section 157(1) outlines the conditions for removal: “A person holding any of the offices to which this section applies may only be removed by the President acting on an address supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct.”

This safeguard is designed to protect the independence of the electoral body from arbitrary executive action. Analysts note that unless these constitutional conditions are met, reports of Yakubu being forced to proceed on leave remain speculative.

Political and Institutional Implications

The controversy underscores the delicate balance between the executive arm of government and the independence of INEC. Electoral experts argue that any attempt to sideline the commission’s leadership outside the constitutional framework could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

INEC plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s democracy, overseeing not just national elections but also gubernatorial, legislative, and local government contests. With sensitive polls in Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, and the FCT on the horizon, stability at the commission is considered critical.

Observers stress that while changes in leadership are normal, they must adhere strictly to constitutional provisions to safeguard institutional integrity.

Still in Charge

For now, Mahmood Yakubu remains firmly in charge of INEC’s affairs, continuing to chair meetings, approve staff promotions, and oversee election preparations. While the speculation about his early exit has raised eyebrows, official actions suggest continuity rather than disruption.

Until constitutional procedures are invoked, the INEC Chairman is expected to serve out his tenure, which ends in December 2025, making him the first to complete two full terms in the commission’s history.