On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure.
Presidency sources said the directive followed concerns that Yakubu had acted against the interests of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including alleged attempts to register new political parties near the end of his term.
The move came after Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma reportedly met with the President in Abuja to discuss issues surrounding Yakubu’s conduct.
Following the decision, INEC cancelled its scheduled quarterly consultative meetings with political parties and civil society organisations.
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Yakubu, first appointed INEC chairman on October 21, 2015, is currently serving his second term in office.
The Presidency is expected to submit the name of his successor to the Senate for confirmation in the coming days.
However, INEC officials have dismissed reports that Yakubu has been removed from office, maintaining that he remains in his position.