The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has reassured the public that he remains in charge of the electoral body, dismissing rumors about his removal. He also confirmed that electoral reforms are underway and will be completed before the 2027 general elections.
Yakubu made these statements on Monday during a press briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he attended the swearing-in of two new INEC National Commissioners by President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that INEC, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has reviewed the 2023 general elections and developed 142 recommendations, eight of which require amendments to the constitution or the Electoral Act.
“We are working with the National Assembly on electoral reform, and after public hearings, a new bill will be submitted to the President for assent,” Yakubu explained. He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing discussions with the National Assembly and their commitment to ensuring the necessary amendments are made before the 2027 elections.
Yakubu also addressed the rumors about his position, stating, “As far as I’m aware, I remain the chairman of INEC under the Constitution, and I am the returning officer for the presidential election.”
The two newly sworn-in INEC commissioners are Mallam Tukur Abdulrazaq Yusuf from the Northwest and Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja from Ebonyi State in the Southeast. Additionally, two commissioners for the Code of Conduct Bureau were sworn in, namely Ikpeme Kenneth Ndem and retired Justice Buba Ibrahim Nyaure.
