President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to immediately proceed on leave before the end of his tenure.The decision follows concerns raised about Yakubu’s actions in the final phase of his leadership.
According to Sahara Reporters, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma met with Tinubu shortly after the president returned from a 12-day working vacation.
The governor raised alarms that Yakubu’s recent efforts to register new political parties and alleged covert support for a governorship candidate in Imo State disrupted the president’s preparations for a second term.
Following this briefing, Tinubu instructed Yakubu to suspend all official duties and begin his terminal leave.
The move has affected INEC’s schedule, leading to the cancellation of the final quarterly meeting with political parties and a planned session with civil society organizations.
Tinubu is expected to nominate a new INEC chairman to the National Assembly soon.
Yakubu was appointed INEC Chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015, taking over from acting chairperson Amina Zakari.
