INEC Dismisses Rumour of Chairman’s Sack

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted claims circulating on social media that its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has been removed from office by President Bola Tinubu.

The rumour, which gained traction after a WhatsApp broadcast went viral, alleged that Yakubu had been replaced with Professor Bashiru Olamilekan. The message, notably lacking any credible source or attribution, read: “INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu.”

However, speaking with Vanguard, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, dismissed the claim, saying plainly: “Please, disregard. It is not true.”

Professor Yakubu, currently serving his second term, is expected to complete his tenure later this year.

For clarity, the procedure for appointing a new INEC Chairman involves a formal nomination by the President. The nominee’s details are then forwarded to the Department of State Services (DSS) for background checks and profiling.

Following that process, the name is taken to the National Council of State for advisory input. Depending on the outcome, the final step is for the President to forward the nominee to the Senate for screening and confirmation.