Breaking: Tinubu Reacts as Yakubu Bows Out as INEC Chair, Makes Fresh Announcement
- President Bola Tinubu commented on the departure of Mahmood Yakubu as the chairman of INEC on Tuesday, October 7
- Tinubu's reaction came after Yakubu handed over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, as the new acting national chairman
- The president also announced the conferment of the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Yakubu
President Bola Tinubu has reportedly accepted the departure of Mahmood Yakubu as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after completing his tenure in office.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu's special adviser on information and strategy, announced the president's acceptance in a statement on Tuesday, October 7, shortly after Yakubu handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu as the new acting chairman.
Source: Twitter
Tinubu thanks Yakubu for serving Nigeria
According to the presidency, Tinubu thanked the former INEC boss for his service to the country and his efforts to sustain the democracy of Nigeria, "particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure".
The president also announced the conferment of the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), which was in recognition of Yakubu's dedication to the service of Nigeria.
Recall that Yakubu was first appointed by the late President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2015 for a period of five years. His appointment was renewed by the late president in 2020. He was appointed as the 14th chairman of the electoral commission.
The presidency explained that Tinubu directed the former INEC chairman to hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu. He added that Agbamuche-Mbu would be in charge of the commission until the process to appoint a successor is completed.
The former INEC chairman had on October 3, 2025, written to the president to thank him for the opportunity to serve the country.
See the full statement of the president here:
Controversies on appointing new INEC chairman
There have been controversies on who would succeed Yakubu as early as January 2025. Many are of the view that the appointment of a new INEC chairman should not be the sole responsibility of the president.
Speaking on the controversy, Omotayo Yusuf, a political analyst, in an interview with Legit.ng, explained that the argument is valid, considering the fact that President Tinubu will also be contesting in the 2027 election.
He said:
"I think it's not surprising this controversy comes up each time a new INEC chairman is about to be appointed, but I think it is valid. The issue that political analysts are raising is that, if I'm correct, there should be other ways through which an INEC Chairman can be appointed, and it should not be the sole prerogative or responsibility of a sitting president. Why? Because, clearly, there may be an attempt to make sure that the person being appointed is someone who would benefit the president."
Source: Twitter
Tinubu asks Senate to approve new appointee
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu forwarded the names of Abdullahi Ramat to the Senate for approval as the chairman and CEO of the NERC.
The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday, October 7.
Tinubu's appointment as the chairman of the NERC has started generating reactions from some Nigerians and supporters of the new appointee.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
