BREAKING: Tinubu Orders INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to Proceed on Terminal Leave

Former INEC Chairman Mahmoud Yakubu

President Tinubu has reportedly ordered INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to proceed on terminal leave.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that President Bola Tinubu has reportedly directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on terminal leave ahead of the end of his tenure.

According to Sahara Reporters, the directive came after Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, briefed the president upon his return from a 12-day working vacation.

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Uzodimma allegedly raised concerns over Yakubu’s last-minute push to register new political parties and his purported backing of a governorship candidate in Imo State, which were seen as a disruption to Tinubu’s 2027 re-election strategy.

Following the briefing, Tinubu instructed Yakubu to immediately suspend official duties and embark on leave. The move has disrupted INEC’s schedule, forcing the cancellation of its quarterly meeting with political parties and another session with civil society groups.

Tinubu is expected to send a new nomination for INEC chairman to the National Assembly in the coming days.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu was first appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015, succeeding Amina Zakari, who briefly served in an acting capacity.