President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has allegedly instructed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to embark on leave before the completion of his tenure.
According to Sahara reporters, the directive stems from what they described as Mahmood’s “eleventh-hour betrayal” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration that endorsed his appointment.
Why the Decision Was Taken
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, was said to have met President Tinubu shortly after his return from a 12-day working holiday. During the meeting, Uzodimma reportedly accused Mahmood of undermining APC’s chances in the coming elections by approving the registration of new political parties at the twilight of his tenure. He also alleged that Mahmood had been secretly supporting a particular candidate in the forthcoming Imo governorship election.
Following these claims, Tinubu is believed to have ordered Yakubu to suspend his official duties and proceed on terminal leave.
Fallout of the Directive
This move has disrupted INEC’s calendar, forcing the sudden cancellation of Mahmood’s last quarterly consultative session with political parties, as well as an already scheduled engagement with civil society organisations.
President Tinubu is now expected to forward the name of his preferred candidate for the position of INEC Chairman to the National Assembly in the coming days.
Mahmood Yakubu’s Journey as INEC Chairman
Professor Yakubu was first appointed on October 21, 2015, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, taking over from Amina Zakari, who had been acting as the electoral body’s chairperson.
Earlier this year, reports emerged suggesting that influential political figures were lobbying for a pliable replacement for Mahmood, raising concerns about potential manipulation of future elections.
James Ibori’s Alleged Role in the Succession Plot
Sources revealed that former Delta State Governor James Ibori, who returned to Nigeria after serving a prison term in the United Kingdom for corruption, has been actively working behind the scenes to influence who becomes the next INEC boss.
Ibori is said to be backing his ally and kinsman, Moses Ogbe, for the position. The alleged plan, according to political observers, is to secure control over the 2027 elections.
This would not be the first time Ibori has exerted influence over key federal appointments. His political network was reportedly behind the appointment of his in-law, Chinedu Ebie, as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Board, and his daughter, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, as Chairperson of the House Committee on NDDC.
Moses Ogbe’s Controversial Past
Investigations into Ogbe’s political history paint a troubling picture. A longtime member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ogbe was nominated by Ibori as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) during a period marked by widespread electoral fraud.
He was allegedly part of a circle of election manipulators closely associated with Prof. Maurice Iwu, who oversaw Nigeria’s widely condemned 2007 general elections. That poll was so flawed that then-President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua publicly admitted its shortcomings and initiated electoral reforms.
Ogbe also served as REC in Lagos State during the 2003 elections, which were marred by reports of irregularities under then-Governor Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu’s Pattern of Familiar Faces
Observers note that President Tinubu often surrounds himself with individuals he has previously worked with. A notable example is Kayode Egbetokun, who in 1999 served as Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer when he was Lagos State Governor. Today, Egbetokun is the Inspector General of Police.
Recent INEC Updates
Earlier this month, INEC officially recognised a new leadership for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after months of internal disputes. Former Senate President David Mark was confirmed as the party’s National Chairman, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was named National Secretary.
Other appointments included Dr. Mani Ibrahim as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.
INEC has since updated its website to reflect these new ADC executives.
