Is Tinubu Ready to Appoint a New INEC Chairman?

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that a new chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be announced soon. This comes after the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose second term as INEC boss officially ended on Tuesday, October 8, 2025.

Tinubu made the disclosure while accepting Yakubu’s departure from office. In his statement, the president praised the outgoing chairman for his dedication and contribution to Nigeria’s democracy, particularly for conducting free and fair elections during his tenure. 

As a mark of honour, Tinubu also conferred on Yakubu the national title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

May Agbamuche-Mbu takes over in acting capacity

According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, the president has directed that the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, should oversee the commission’s activities until the appointment process for a new chairman is concluded.

The presidency explained that the announcement of the new INEC chairman will be made once the necessary procedures are completed. 

This means that, for now, Agbamuche-Mbu will handle the day-to-day affairs of the commission in an acting capacity.

Who becomes the next INEC chairman?

Discussions about who should replace Yakubu have been ongoing since early 2025. Many Nigerians have expressed different opinions on where the next INEC chairman should come from. 

Some argue that the South deserves the position, considering that the North has produced the last two chairmen. 

Others point out that since the creation of INEC in 1964, only the Southwest and North-Central regions have never held the top position in the electoral body.

Beyond regional debates, there are also concerns about who should appoint the next INEC chairman. Some political analysts believe that the process should not be left solely to the president, especially since Tinubu will likely seek re-election in 2027.

Calls for reform in appointment process

Speaking with Legit.ng, political analyst Omotayo Yusuf said the ongoing debate is not new. According to him, every time Nigeria needs a new INEC chairman, questions arise about the fairness and independence of the appointment process. 

He argued that there should be alternative systems in place to ensure transparency and public confidence in the commission’s leadership.

What happens next?

For now, all eyes are on President Tinubu as Nigerians wait for him to reveal who will lead INEC into the next election cycle. 

While the president has assured that the appointment process is underway, public attention will remain focused on how transparent and fair that process turns out to be.