President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly asked INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to step aside and go on leave before the end of his tenure.
Sources say the decision came after Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma accused Mahmood of secretly backing an opposition candidate and trying to register new political parties in a way that could affect Tinubu’s 2027 plans.
Following the directive, INEC cancelled Mahmood’s planned meetings with political parties and civil society groups. Tinubu is expected to send a new INEC chairman’s name to the National Assembly soon.
Meanwhile, former Delta State Governor James Ibori is said to be lobbying for his ally, Moses Ogbe, to take over the job. Ogbe, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner, has a controversial past linked to alleged election rigging during the Maurice Iwu era as reported by Sahara Reporters.
This development comes just weeks after INEC resolved a leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recognising former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
