Suspense Trails ‘Presidential Directive’ to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu

The alleged directive reportedly instructed Prof. Yakubu to suspend official duties and proceed on leave, an action that has thrown the INEC schedule into uncertainty. According to multiple sources, the development led to the sudden cancellation of the INEC Chairman’s final quarterly consultative meeting with political parties and another planned session with civil society organisations—two critical engagements meant to strengthen stakeholder confidence in the electoral process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier announced that the quarterly consultative meeting would commence on Wednesday with an interactive session with political parties. However, it was abruptly postponed without official explanation, further fueling speculation about the alleged directive from the presidency.

While the news has generated widespread speculation, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged Nigerians to exercise caution and consult the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria before arriving at conclusions about Prof. Yakubu’s tenure or removal.

According to Oyekanmi, “The first thing you need to do is to find out what the law says about the appointment and removal of the INEC Chairman and National Commissioners.” This statement suggests that the commission remains officially silent on whether the alleged directive exists or is being implemented.

The Nigerian Constitution provides clear guidelines on the appointment and removal of the INEC Chairman. In Section 154(1), it states:

“Except in the case of ex-officio members or where other provisions are made in this Constitution, the appointment of a person to the office of the Chairman or member of any of the bodies so established shall be made by the President and shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.”

Additionally, Section 157(1) provides safeguards against arbitrary removal:

“A person holding any of the offices to which this section applies may only be removed by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct.”

These provisions mean that the President cannot unilaterally remove the INEC Chairman without Senate approval, except under very specific circumstances. Legal experts believe this safeguard was designed to protect the independence and impartiality of the commission.

Despite the uncertainty, INEC has continued its operations. For instance, the commission has already given political parties the green light to commence campaigns for the FCT Council polls. Stakeholders, however, worry that prolonged uncertainty at the top leadership level may weaken public confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct free and fair elections.

The timing of this alleged directive raises several questions about political interference in Nigeria’s electoral process. With the 2025 elections approaching, the removal or suspension of an INEC Chairman who has overseen significant electoral reforms may disrupt the commission’s preparations. Political analysts also argue that such actions, if true, could damage Nigeria’s international image and weaken its democratic institutions.

Observers note that Prof. Yakubu has become a symbolic figure in Nigeria’s evolving electoral landscape. His tenure, marked by both criticism and praise, represents the country’s struggle to ensure electoral credibility. Therefore, any sudden change in leadership will be viewed with suspicion, regardless of the stated reasons.

Several constitutional lawyers and political analysts have weighed in on the issue, emphasizing that due process must be followed in any decision regarding the INEC Chairman. They argue that the constitution is explicit about the process of removal, and any deviation could lead to legal challenges and further political crises.

In addition, stakeholders are urging the National Assembly to remain vigilant and ensure that the independence of INEC is not undermined. They also call on civil society organisations and the media to continue monitoring developments to ensure transparency and accountability.

As of now, it remains unclear whether President Tinubu actually issued the directive for Prof. Yakubu to proceed on leave or whether the reports are merely speculative. The coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of Nigeria’s top electoral officer and the future of the country’s electoral system.

Regardless of the outcome, this episode underscores the importance of institutional independence, constitutional safeguards, and public transparency in Nigeria’s democratic journey. It also highlights the need for political leaders to strengthen, rather than weaken, democratic institutions ahead of critical national elections.