BREAKING: Tinubu Sacks INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, Appoints Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan as Replacement

By Our Correspondent

In a dramatic political development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has relieved the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, of his duties, appointing Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan as his replacement.

This decision, which comes amid heightened national discourse on electoral reforms and integrity, was confirmed on Monday evening through a statement issued by the Presidency.

According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the removal of Prof. Yakubu is part of Tinubu’s renewed commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring greater transparency in the electoral process.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who has served as INEC Chairman since 2015, oversaw two general elections during his tenure — in 2019 and 2023 — both of which attracted mixed reactions from stakeholders, especially the youth and civil society groups who have consistently demanded reforms within the electoral system.

President Tinubu, while thanking Yakubu for his service, noted that the decision was made in the national interest and in line with the administration’s agenda to reposition key institutions for better performance.

The newly appointed INEC Chairman, Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan, is a seasoned academic and constitutional law expert. Prior to his appointment, he served as a professor of political science and legal studies and has been an active voice in promoting electoral accountability.

Reacting to the announcement, Prof. Olamilekan pledged to uphold the independence of the Commission and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

“I am deeply honoured by this appointment. My focus will be on building an INEC that is transparent, responsive, and committed to credible elections. Nigerians deserve nothing less,” he said in his first public statement after the news broke.

Political analysts say the move could signal a shift in how electoral affairs will be managed moving forward, especially with key off-cycle elections and potential constitutional amendments on the horizon.

This development has already sparked reactions across the political spectrum, with some hailing it as a bold step towards reform, while others raise questions about timing and political motivations.

More details are expected to emerge as the National Assembly is briefed on the change, and as Prof. Olamilekan prepares to assume office in the coming days.