Plans are already in motion to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yakubu, who has held the position for two terms, is set to complete his tenure by November, Politics Nigeria reports.
Although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not yet become deeply involved in the selection of Yakubu’s successor, several political figures, both within and outside the Presidential Villa, have reportedly begun making moves to influence the appointment.
Many of these key players are closely connected to the President and are said to be working behind the scenes to push for a candidate who will serve their interests.
At the forefront of these efforts is a former governor from the South-South region, known as part of the 1999 political class.
This individual is allegedly seeking to install someone who can be easily influenced, raising fears about the possible impact on the credibility of Nigeria’s future elections.
INEC has faced harsh criticism over its handling of both the 2023 general elections and some recent off-season polls.
With public trust in the electoral process waning, the appointment of a new chairman is widely viewed as a crucial moment that could either restore or further erode confidence in the system.
Although there has been no official announcement, sources suggest that several potential candidates are already being considered.
Among them are former National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), some of whom have questionable records.
Critics worry that loyalty to political forces, rather than competence or integrity, might determine who gets the job.
The discussions about Yakubu’s replacement have drawn comparisons to a controversial incident that occurred in 2015 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Shortly after taking office, Buhari ignored standard procedures and appointed Amina Bala Zakari, a relative, as the acting INEC chairman.
This move disregarded the transition plan set by the outgoing chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, who had named Ambassador (Dr.) Ahmed Wali as his preferred successor.
Zakari’s sudden appointment sparked nationwide criticism, forcing Buhari to reconsider.
Months later, in October 2015, he appointed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the permanent chairman.
Yakubu later presided over the disputed 2019 and 2023 elections, both of which were marred by allegations of irregularities.
Now, as the presidency prepares for the next leadership change at INEC, Tinubu is said to be aware of how important it is to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
According to sources close to the presidency, Tinubu has shown interest in ensuring that the appointment process is transparent and credible.
This comes after Tinubu’s recent directive to involve National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in the upcoming national census, a move seen as part of his efforts to cut costs while maintaining credibility.
Insiders say Tinubu aims to apply the same approach when choosing the next INEC chairman, with the hope of boosting Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral system.
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