Breaking: Yakubu Hands Over To Agbamuche As INEC Acting Chairman
- Professor Mahmood Yakubu has stepped down as INEC chairman after completing a historic two-term tenure spanning ten years
- May Agbamuche, the longest-serving National Commissioner, has been named Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive successor
- Civil society organisations are urging President Tinubu to ensure transparency in the selection process for Yakubu’s replacement
Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially handed over the reins of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to May Agbamuche, who now serves as the Acting National Chairman of the electoral body.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja.
Source: Twitter
Agbamuche, recognised as the longest-serving National Commissioner within INEC, steps into the role following Yakubu’s completion of a historic two-term tenure spanning ten years. Professor Yakubu, who first assumed office in November 2015 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, became the first individual to serve two terms as INEC chairman.
During the handover, Yakubu appealed to INEC commissioners and directors to support Agbamuche in her interim capacity, stating that such cooperation was vital “until the appointment of a substantive chairman.”
Tinubu expected to appoint new INEC chairman
With Yakubu’s departure, attention has now turned to President Bola Tinubu, who is expected to nominate a substantive successor. The appointment will be subject to Senate confirmation. Civil society organisations have already begun to demand transparency in the selection process.
Last month, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) issued a public call urging President Tinubu to “urgently disclose details of the selection and appointment process for the successor to Professor Mahmood Yakubu.”
In a letter dated 27 September and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP requested that the President “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.”
The group also advised the President 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.”
SERAP stressed that “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.”
Civil society calls for independence in INEC leadership
Commenting on the leadership transition, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, emphasised the need for a chairman with “an unblemished character.” Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on 24 September, Itodo said the next INEC chairman should be “courageous to do the lawful thing, no matter whose ox is gored,” and must not have any political affiliations.
He also noted that while INEC had recorded significant reforms under Yakubu’s leadership, these gains had been undermined by instances of electoral fraud.
As the nation awaits President Tinubu’s nomination, stakeholders across Nigeria continue to advocate for a transparent and credible process that will uphold the integrity of the electoral commission.
Source: Twitter
Facts about new INEC acting chair
Legit.ng earlier reported that Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially handed over duties to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who has been appointed acting national chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Agbamuche-Mbu, the longest-serving national commissioner in the commission, assumed the role on Tuesday, October 7, during a meeting with resident electoral commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Source: Legit.ng
