FACT-CHECK: Did Tinubu Direct INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to Leave Office?
Confusion is trailing reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure.
Some media outlets, citing unnamed sources, claim the President asked Yakubu to embark on “terminal leave,” a move interpreted as preparing the ground for a handover. The reports further allege that the directive may have forced the cancellation of scheduled engagements, including INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with political parties.
However, as at the time of filing this report, no official confirmation has been issued by the Presidency or INEC to substantiate the claims. The Guardian newspaper quoted Yakubu’s Chief Press Secretary as urging Nigerians to rely on constitutional provisions, stressing that any removal or suspension of the electoral umpire’s head must follow due process.
According to Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the INEC Chairman enjoys security of tenure and can only be removed for misconduct or infirmity of body or mind, subject to a two-thirds Senate resolution.
This constitutional safeguard has fueled skepticism about the alleged presidential directive, with legal analysts warning that a unilateral order for Yakubu to “proceed on leave” would likely spark political and legal battles.
For now, the reports remain unverified claims pending an official statement. Until then, Mahmood Yakubu remains the substantive INEC Chairman.
