President Bola Tinubu has started considering possible successors to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ends in November after serving two terms.
So far, three names are being mentioned:
Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun – former Lagos Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC)
Moses Ogbe – former REC
Kenneth Ukeagu – billionaire INEC procurement director, recently elevated to National Commissioner
Tinubu is said to be cautious with the choice, as observers recall the controversy in 2015 when former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Amina Zakari as acting chairman before eventually naming Yakubu.
By law, the President must appoint an INEC chairman in consultation with the National Council of State, and the Senate must confirm the appointment.
Civil society groups are urging Tinubu to ensure transparency and pick a neutral candidate to protect public trust in the 2027 elections. Meanwhile, opposition parties such as the Labour Party and PDP wa
◇rn that political lobbying for a “loyal” candidate could thr£◇ten INEC’s independence.
Yakubu, who took office in 2015, supervised the 2019 and 2023 general elections, along with several governorship polls.
