Tinubu terminates INEC Chairman, Yakubu’s appointment

President Bola Tinubu has removed Yakubu Mahmoud as the Chairman of Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) understands that Mahmoud was billed to complete his second term in office at the end of 2025 but his sudden exit from office has been endorsed by the presidency.

Olumekun was the National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.

His official duty as Acting Chairman was to recieve a high-level delegation from the Labour Party (LP) led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti.

The meeting, which took place at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, focused on discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.

During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.

He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the LP’s current structure.

Olumekun (right) hosted Otti and the LP delegation

Mr. Olumekun reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities. The meeting was seen as a step towards strengthening the relationship between INEC and the Labour Party.

The Labour Party delegation, led by Governor Otti, visited INEC to discuss key developments within the party and to formally present the Supreme Court judgment. The meeting was attended by other National Commissioners, who engaged in discussions with the Labour Party delegation.

About INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a crucial institution in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Established in 1998, INEC has played a vital role in shaping the country’s electoral processes.

Early Years (1998-2000)
INEC was established by the Abacha administration in 1998, with Justice Ejealo appointed as its first Chairman. The commission’s primary objective was to conduct the 1999 general elections, which marked Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy.

Transition to Democracy (2000-2007)
In 2000, INEC conducted the local government elections, which paved the way for the 2003 general elections. The commission faced numerous challenges, including electoral malpractices and logistical issues. Despite these challenges, INEC continued to evolve, with the introduction of new electoral processes and technologies.

Electoral Reforms (2007-2011)
The 2007 general elections were widely criticized for their poor conduct. In response, the Nigerian government established the Electoral Reform Committee, which recommended significant changes to the electoral process. INEC implemented these reforms, including the introduction of electronic voting and the creation of the National Register of Voters.

Modernization and Challenges (2011-2019)
In 2011, INEC introduced the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process, which aimed to update the voters’ register and improve the electoral process. The commission also faced significant challenges, including electoral violence and technological issues, during the 2015 and 2019 general elections.

Recent Developments (2020-present)
In recent years, INEC has continued to evolve, with the introduction of new technologies and electoral processes. The commission has also faced challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and electoral disputes. Despite these challenges, INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.

Chairmen
– Justice Ejealo (1998-2000)
– Prof. Maurice Iwu (2000-2010)
– Attahiru Jega (2010-2015)
– Prof. Amina Zakari (2015-2019)
– Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (2019-present).

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