Tinubu Stops INEC Chairman’s Early Exit, Orders Mahmood Yakubu to Complete Tenure

By Daniji Emmanuel
Despite Send-Forth Dinner in June, INEC Boss Still in Office, President Bola Tinubu has stopped an early exit plan by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), directing him to serve out his full tenure before any replacement is announced.
Yakubu, who has led INEC since November 9, 2015, after his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari, had prepared to step aside ahead of the expiration of his second five-year term. Reappointed in 2020, he is the first INEC chairman to serve two full terms.
In anticipation of his departure, Yakubu cleared his desk at the commission’s headquarters, packed up his personal effects — including books and newspapers — and handed farewell notes to his close associates. His aides and allies even hosted him to a quiet send-forth dinner at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, on June 15.
Sources revealed that Yakubu’s initial decision to leave office three months early was to give the presidency ample time to appoint a successor before preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. He had also considered handing over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, one of the most senior national commissioners, a move that would have made her the first woman to head the commission, even if only in an acting capacity.
However, Tinubu asked Yakubu to “hang on,” citing the need to carefully select a suitable successor. Despite repeated attempts by the INEC boss to proceed on terminal leave, he was advised to remain in office to avoid creating a vacuum.
The timing of Yakubu’s exit remains critical, as the Anambra governorship election is scheduled for November 8, just a day before his tenure officially ends. His continued stay ensures he will still be at the helm when results from some polling units are being awaited.
The uncertainty over who succeeds Yakubu has sparked months of rumours and intense lobbying within political circles. Observers note that the situation mirrors the transition of 2015, when Prof. Attahiru Jega handed over to Amina Zakari in an acting capacity before Buhari eventually appointed Yakubu as substantive chairman.
For now, despite the quiet send-forth already held in his honour, Yakubu remains Nigeria’s chief electoral umpire, at least until November 9, when his second term formally ends.