(DDM) – The race to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified, with strong indications that the South West may, for the first time, produce the nation’s chief electoral umpire.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Yakubu’s tenure, which ends next month, will pave the way for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to nominate a successor.
Yakubu, first appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, holds the record as Nigeria’s longest-serving INEC chairman.
The Nigerian Constitution empowers the president to appoint the electoral chief, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The law also requires that the appointee must be at least 50 years old and of unquestionable integrity.
Sources say Tinubu initially leaned toward a South West candidate before widening his shortlist to cover other regions.
Among those being considered are Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman of the Court of Appeal, Professor Lai Olurode, former INEC procurement director Kenneth Ukeagu, INEC National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education Sam Olumekun, and Professor Bashiru Olamilekan.
Three of the five leading contenders hail from the South West, while one each comes from the South East and North Central.
If chosen, it will mark the first time in Nigeria’s history that a substantive INEC chairman emerges from the South West.
It will also be the first time a sitting president appoints an electoral boss from his own geopolitical zone.
Analysts warn that such a move could fuel suspicion about neutrality.
INEC, they argue, is central to Nigeria’s democracy and must not be seen as tilted toward the ruling party.
A senior source noted that if Tinubu picks from his home region, it would “heighten suspicion and give the opposition grounds to accuse the electoral body of bias.”
Historically, presidents have avoided such appointments.
Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa appointed Eyo Ita Esua from the South-South.
Shehu Shagari chose Michael Ani from the South East and Victor Ovie-Whiskey from the South-South.
Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Ephraim Akpata, Abel Guobadia, and Maurice Iwu, all from southern zones outside the South West.
Goodluck Jonathan appointed Professor Attahiru Jega from the North West.
Muhammadu Buhari appointed Professor Mahmood Yakubu from the North East.
The only exception was Amina Bala Zakari, who briefly served in acting capacity under Buhari.
With Tinubu under pressure to balance regional politics, his choice could define not just the next election but also his legacy.
Opposition leaders are already watching closely, warning against any decision that could erode public confidence in INEC.
