Did you know that the 0utgoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called for enhanced regional collaboration among electoral bodies in West Africa, marking his final address to the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) as his tenure draws to a close later this year?
Yakubu’s appearance at the ECONEC extraordinary general assembly in Banjul followed a week of intense speculation regarding his alleged removal from office by President Bola Tinubu. Despite rumors circulating in Abuja, Yakubu reaffirmed his position, stating, “I am attending the ECONEC meeting for the final time as Chairman of INEC because my tenure ends later this year.”
The controversy surrounding Yakubu’s status arose when opposition leaders from the Labour Party (LP) visited the INEC office and were received by acting chairman, Sam Olumekun. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, clarified that Olumekun was acting in Yakubu’s absence, as he was attending the ECONEC meeting.
In his address to the ECOWAS Assembly, Yakubu reflected on the region’s democratic progress, noting a concerning regression. “In 2017, I proudly announced that every country in the sub-region was under democratic rule. Sadly, that is no longer the case. Today, four countries in the region are no longer practicing democracy,” he lamented, while expressing optimism for the future return of democratic governance.
As Yakubu’s tenure concludes, political stakeholders are engaging in intense discussions regarding his successor. The northern region of Nigeria is advocating for a transparent selection process, urging President Tinubu to consider candidates outside his southwestern constituency. “Should a Yoruba man be appointed to replace Yakubu later in the year, then the 2027 election is as good as won by the incumbent President,” argued some stakeholders from the zone.
Senator Femi Okurounmu, a stalwart of Afenifere, countered this sentiment, stating, “The President has the prerogative right to appoint whoever he wishes as INEC Chairman. If we are to follow precedent, former President Muhammadu Buhari didn’t hesitate to appoint Yakubu to replace another northerner, the immediate past INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega. Nobody should play up any ethnic sentiment now if Tinubu decides to pick a Yoruba man to replace Yakubu.”
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Okurounmu emphasized the historical context, highlighting that no Yoruba individual has led the commission since its inception in 1960. He listed the previous chairmen, including Eyo Esua, Michael Ani, Victor Ovie-Whiskey, Eme Awa, Humphrey Nwosu, Okon Uya, Sumner Dagogo-Jack, Ephraim Akpata, Abel Guobadia, Maurice Iwu, Attahiru Jega and Mahmood Yakubu.
Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a northern leader, echoed this view, stating, “The constitution gave him the power to appoint INEC chairman and the National commissioners. He has the right to consult, but it is too early to start playing politics by bringing ethnic sentiments into how the INEC Chairman must be appointed.”
Birtus Porgu, President of the Middle Leaders Forum, dismissed the ongoing debate as a “waste of time,” asserting, “The President will bring in a credible, competent and reliable person but definitely not someone that will work against his (Tinubu) interest.”
Yerima Shetima, President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), and Wale Okunniyi, Director General of the National Consultative Front (NCFront), advocated for electoral reforms, suggesting that the appointment process should be democratized.
Meanwhile, INEC clarified that the acting chairmanship of Sam Olumekun was a temporary measure due to Yakubu’s absence at the ECONEC meeting, and not a reflection of any change in Yakubu’s tenure.
The discourse surrounding Yakubu’s successor underscores the delicate balance of political influence and regional representation in Nigeria’s electoral landscape. As the nation prepares for the next phase of its democratic journey, the appointment of a new INEC chairman will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment.
