As the tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), draws to a close, political actors, regional stakeholders, and advocacy groups have begun behind-the-scenes lobbying to influence who will take over one of Nigeria’s most sensitive public offices.
Yakubu, who was first appointed in 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed for a second term in 2020, is expected to leave office in October 2025, after completing the constitutional two-term limit. His departure is already setting the stage for a fierce contest over his successor, with conversations around integrity, regional equity, and electoral reforms dominating public discourse.
A Tense Transition Amid Political Suspicion
While some citizens and observers are hoping for a seamless and transparent transition, many remain wary of how the selection process might play out, especially considering that the Nigerian Constitution gives the sitting president the exclusive power to nominate a new INEC chairman, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Critics fear this could lead to a politically motivated appointment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Concerns are also growing over the need to ensure neutrality and credibility in the process, given the critical role INEC plays in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
Debates Over Geopolitical Balance
The issue of geopolitical representation has also become central to the unfolding debate. Various voices from the North-Central, South-East, and South-South regions are calling for fair consideration, arguing that past appointments have largely excluded these areas.
Former Ohanaeze Ndigbo spokesperson Alex Ogbonna voiced his skepticism about the fairness of the upcoming appointment, citing what he described as a familiar pattern in President Bola Tinubu’s selection of appointees.
“Our president is a Jagaban in every sense. Geopolitical balancing may not matter much to him. What he values is loyalty and performance, based on his own metrics,” Ogbonna said in an interview with Nigerian Tribune.
His remarks reflect broader fears that ethnic and political loyalty may override merit in the selection process.
Calls for Electoral System Overhaul
In a more radical take, Akin Fapounda, a former federal permanent secretary, advocated for a complete dismantling of the current electoral framework.
“I’ve always maintained that INEC should be scrapped at the federal level. Let electoral powers be devolved to the six geopolitical zones. That will remove central bias and end the census-driven allocation issues,” Fapounda said.
Such a move, he argued, would deepen democracy by localizing electoral accountability.
Fears of Ethnic Bias in the Appointment
Prominent legal scholar Professor Chidi Odinkalu sparked reactions recently by predicting that President Tinubu may appoint someone from his own ethnic group.
“Tinubu’s INEC chairman will be Yoruba,” he said bluntly, arguing that such a move would be consistent with a trend observed in other major appointments under the current administration.
Advocacy for a Neutral and Ethical Leader
Meanwhile, Middle Belt Forum President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, stressed the importance of appointing a truly independent and morally upright individual.
“Nigeria needs a chairman who cannot be bought, bullied, or influenced someone who prioritizes the nation's interests above all else,” Pogu said.
He advocated for the North-Central region, which has never produced an INEC chairman, insisting it’s long overdue for consideration.
Backing this position, General John Sura (rtd), a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), noted that the North-East, North-West, and South-South have all had turns at the helm of the commission.
“It’s only fair to give the North-Central a chance. And this time, let’s pick someone from civil society or the judiciary. We’ve tried academics, and frankly, the outcomes have been disappointing,” he argued.
South-East and South-South Stakeholders Demand Fairness
Also weighing in, Monday Ubani, SAN, a former Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, called for a shift toward the South-South or South-East.
“The outgoing chairman is from the North-East. The president is from the South-West. It’s only just to look toward the South-South or South-East for balance,” Ubani said.
He emphasized that beyond regional considerations, the new INEC chairman must possess unquestionable integrity, a deep sense of fairness, and a strong commitment to justice, especially with the 2027 elections on the horizon.
Quiet Lobbying Intensifies Behind the Scenes
With over a year remaining in Professor Yakubu’s tenure, the jostling for the influential position is expected to grow more intense. While public debate rages over regional equity and merit, behind closed doors, political consultations and lobbying are already gaining momentum.
As Nigerians look toward 2027 with cautious optimism, many agree on one point: the credibility of the next electoral cycle may well hinge on the integrity and independence of the next INEC chairman.
Post a Comment