President Bola Tinubu swore in two newly appointed commissioners to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday. Following the ceremony, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu addressed speculation regarding his position, confirming he had not been removed from office.
Speaking to reporters after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Yakubu clarified that no action had been taken to remove him from his role. He emphasized that, as per the law, he remains the Chairman of INEC and the Chief Electoral Commissioner of Nigeria.
“There is no need to waste time on unnecessary speculation. As far as the law is concerned, and to the best of my knowledge, I remain the Chairman of INEC, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the federation under the Constitution, and the Returning Officer for the presidential election under the Electoral Act,” Yakubu stated.
In his address, Yakubu also revealed that INEC had submitted 142 recommendations to the National Assembly aimed at reforming Nigeria’s electoral system following a thorough review of the 2023 general elections. He noted that eight of these recommendations require amendments to the Constitution or Electoral Act, which INEC has already discussed with members of the National Assembly.
Yakubu expressed satisfaction with the response from lawmakers, highlighting their willingness to expedite the necessary amendments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are happy with our discussions with the National Assembly and the speed at which they are moving to ensure the required amendments are made,” Yakubu said.
The INEC Chairman further noted that the Commission’s collaboration with the National Assembly is progressing well, mentioning a recent retreat held with the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on electoral reform. A public hearing will follow, after which a new electoral bill will be introduced.
Yakubu reiterated that these reforms are part of INEC’s commitment to ensuring more credible and transparent elections in the future.
