BANJUL, Gambia – Outgoing Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, attended the extraordinary general assembly of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) in Banjul, Gambia, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, marking his final appearance at the event before his tenure concludes later this year.
Yakubu used the occasion to reflect on the current state of democracy in the West African region, noting that while he had proudly declared in 2017 that all ECOWAS nations were under democratic rule, four countries in the region had since experienced a setback in their democratic processes.
Despite this, Yakubu expressed optimism for the restoration of democracy in these nations, while emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration among electoral bodies.
Yakubu’s appearance comes after widespread speculation regarding his position, fueled by rumors that he was to be removed by President Bola Tinubu.
The confusion was further compounded when a delegation from the opposition Labour Party (LP) arrived at the INEC office in Abuja to find National Commissioner Sam Olumekun acting as chairman, rather than Yakubu.
In a bid to quell these rumors, Yakubu, on April 9, 2025, dispelled claims of his removal, explaining his absence from the INEC office by confirming his travel to Gambia for the ECONEC meeting.
At the meeting, Yakubu officially informed his colleagues that it was his last time attending as INEC chairman, as his tenure is set to end later this year.
Amid the conclusion of Yakubu’s tenure, political discourse has intensified over the appointment of his successor.
While some political factions have argued that the next chairman should be from a region other than the Southwest, others have expressed concern over perceived ethnic biases in appointments.
The debate has gained traction following recent reports that Professor Bashiru Olamilekan might be considered for the role.
However, supporters of Yakubu’s tenure and his leadership of the commission have pointed to the necessity of appointing a successor based on merit and competence rather than regional considerations.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of Yakubu, a Northern Nigerian, over a fellow northerner in 2015 was cited as a precedent, with many suggesting President Tinubu should exercise his prerogative in a similar manner.
