President Bola Tinubu has reportedly directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure.
Sahara Reporters quoting insider sources, reports that the directive follows what has been described as Yakubu’s “last-minute betrayal” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration that appointed him.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma reportedly briefed President Tinubu on Yakubu’s actions, which allegedly disrupted the president’s preparations for a second term.
Specifically, Uzodimma claimed that Yakubu’s efforts to register new political parties at the end of his tenure were not in line with Tinubu’s plans.
Uzodinma also accused Yakubu of secretly backing a candidate in the Imo State governorship election, further straining relations between the INEC chairman and the APC administration.
Moreover, the sudden directive, Diaspora Digital Media understand, has thrown the commission’s schedule into disarray, resulting in the cancellation of important meetings.
However, President Tinubu is expected to submit the name of a new INEC Chairman to the National Assembly in the coming days, marking a significant change in the leadership of the electoral commission.
