The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to make public the process for selecting the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure ends in November 2025.
This was contained in a In a letter dated 27 September 2025 and obtained by First Daily on Sunday, September 28.
According to the letter signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group urged Tinubu “to urgently disclose details of the selection and appointment process for the successor to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will end in November 2025.”
The group also asked the President to disclose “the number and names of candidates for INEC chairman and whether the Council of State has been consulted or would be consulted in making the appointment, as constitutionally required.”
Yakubu, who has served two terms, will leave office after completing 10 years at the helm of INEC. His successor must be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
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SERAP urged Tinubu to “reconsider your appointment of at least three alleged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the INEC and to nominate non-members of a political party as replacement.”
According to the group, “the selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement cannot and should not be ‘a closed shop.’ A transparent and accountable process would serve legitimate public interests.”
It warned that secrecy in the process would “undermine the independence, autonomy and accountability of INEC and the right of Nigerians to a free and fair election.”
SERAP gave the President seven days to act, saying if he failed, the group would “consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”