Tinubu Speaks on Yakubu's Performance as INEC Chairman

• President Bola Tinubu has said that Mahmood Yakubu conducted free and fair elections during his time as INEC chairman
• Tinubu made the comment in his reaction to the departure of Yakubu as the chairman of the electoral commission on Tuesday, October 7
• Yakubu bowed out of the commission following the expiration of his second term tenure and handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, the new acting national chairman of INEC

President Bola Tinubu has commended the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, saying he conducted free and fair elections in the country.

The president stated this while reacting to Yakubu's departure as the chairman of INEC on Tuesday, October 7.

Recall that Yakubu handed over to the most senior national commissioner for INEC, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who would be in the acting capacity of the commission until the process of appointing a successor is completed.

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Tinubu accepts Yakubu's departure as INEC chairman

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.

Tinubu, while accepting the departure of the former INEC chairman, conferred the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), which was in recognition of Yakubu's dedication to the service of 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.

See the full statement here:

Who should be the next INEC chairman?

There have been controversies on who will 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.

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“Why I decided to step down as INEC chairman”: Yakubu opens up

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 political analysts are making is that if I'm correct, there should be other ways through which an INEC Chairman should 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."

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.

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What INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu told Tinubu in his resignation letter

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng