Prof. Mahmood Yakubu yesterday bowed out as Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Our correspondent reports that Yakubu handed over to Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, as the acting Chairman, pending the appointment of a new chairman for the commission.
Yakubu made the announcement during the ongoing meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, where he signed his exit note.
While appreciating the country for the privilege given to him to serve, he solicited for support for Agbamuche- Mbu until the appointment of a substantive chairman.
Our correspondent reports that Yakubu was appointed INEC chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 21, 2015 and re-appointed in December 2020. Professor Mahmood Yakubu is leaving office as INEC chairman, having completed his two-term tenure of 10 years.
President Tinubu is expected to appoint his successor soon, subject to a Senate confirmation.
Yakubu was first appointed the INEC chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari to oversee the activities of the electoral umpire in November 2015, six months after he assumed the office as the President.
He completed his first term in office as the electoral body’s chairman in 2020, and was reappointed for a second tenure by President Buhari.
Yakubu’s reappointment by President Buhari made him the first person to serve as INEC chairman for two terms.
He took over from Professor Attahiru Jega, with INEC conducting many elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
President Tinubu is expected to nominate a substantive successor to Yakubu, and civil society groups are already demanding transparency in the process.
