Abuja, September 24, 2025 — By Coolnews.ng Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on immediate leave, in a move that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to insider sources, the decision followed allegations that Prof. Yakubu had acted against the interest of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party that originally secured his appointment.
Uzodimma’s Petition Against Yakubu
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, is said to have briefed the president shortly after Tinubu’s return from a 12-day working vacation. During the meeting, Uzodimma reportedly accused Prof. Yakubu of registering new political parties in the twilight of his tenure, a move allegedly seen as an attempt to weaken APC’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor further alleged that Yakubu was secretly backing an opposition candidate in the forthcoming Imo governorship election. These claims, according to sources, triggered the president’s directive that the INEC boss step aside immediately.
Commission’s Activities Thrown Into Confusion
Tinubu’s decision has disrupted the operations of the electoral body. Prof. Yakubu was expected to chair a final quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, as well as a session with civil society organisations. Both events have now been abruptly cancelled.
With Yakubu on enforced leave, the president is expected to forward the name of a new INEC chairman to the National Assembly in the coming days.
Yakubu’s Appointment and Exit
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu was first appointed on October 21, 2015, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, succeeding Amina Zakari who served in acting capacity. His exit comes amid mounting political tension and concerns about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Power Struggle Over INEC Succession
Reports indicate that intense lobbying is already underway over who succeeds Yakubu. Political insiders allege that former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, is pushing for his associate, Moses Ogbe, to take over the commission.
Ogbe, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) under Prof. Maurice Iwu, has a controversial record. He is alleged to have played a role in electoral irregularities during the 2003 Lagos elections under then-Governor Tinubu, and later in the 2007 general elections — widely condemned as one of Nigeria’s most flawed polls.
Critics fear his appointment would set the stage for large-scale electoral manipulation in the 2027 elections.
Ibori’s Alleged Political Influence
Despite his conviction and prison term in the United Kingdom for corruption, Ibori is believed to still wield significant influence in Nigerian politics. He has previously been linked to the appointments of allies, including his in-law, Chinedu Ebie, as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and his daughter, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, as Chairperson of the House Committee on NDDC.
Analysts warn that his current push to influence the leadership of INEC may undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
Broader Context
Earlier this month, INEC under Yakubu formally recognised a new leadership for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), resolving a long-standing internal crisis. Former Senate President, David Mark, was named National Chairman, while former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, was recognised as National Secretary.
The recognition of these figures highlighted INEC’s critical role in shaping Nigeria’s political party system — a role that is now under intense scrutiny following Yakubu’s forced exit.
As the country waits for President Tinubu’s nominee to be unveiled, questions about the independence of the electoral body and the integrity of the democratic process are likely to dominate national debate in the weeks ahead.
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