The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has named Mr. Sam Olumekun as its Acting Chairman. Until his recent elevation, Olumekun served as INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee,
His designation as Acting Chairman was made evident during a meeting with the leadership of the Labour Party held on Wednesday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Labour Party delegation was led by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti. The development comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the status of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as INEC Chairman. Just two days earlier, reports circulated alleging that President Bola Tinubu had relieved Yakubu of his duties and appointed Professor Bashiru Olamilekan as his replacement. However, the presidency swiftly debunked the reports. O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Digital and New Media, described the claims as “fake news” and urged the public to ignore them. He emphasized that any such announcement would be made through official channels, particularly the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Despite the rumors, Professor Yakubu presided over INEC’s weekly management meeting on Tuesday at the Commission’s headquarters. The meeting was attended by several national commissioners, including Mr. Olumekun. INEC, via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, had stated that “crucial decisions” were expected to be made during the session.
