INEC Chairman Yakubu steps down, reigniting calls for reforms in the appointment process. Experts urge transparency, independence, and Senate oversight.

The early retirement of INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has reignited the national conversation around INEC chairman appointment reform, with legal experts and lawmakers calling for a more transparent, independent, and robust selection process.

Also read: Who Will Be Nigeria’s Next INEC Chair — Merit or Politics?

Yakubu, who has served two terms since his appointment in 2015, officially handed over to INEC National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, citing the need to give the incoming chairman ample time to prepare for the 2027 general elections.

The move comes amid increased scrutiny of the powers vested in the President to appoint the INEC chairman — a process critics argue may undermine the commission’s independence.

Senior legal practitioners, including Wale Balogun, SAN, have urged the Federal Government to consider reforms that would ensure the appointment of a credible and impartial electoral umpire

Balogun remarked:

“Yes, the President has the constitutional power to appoint, subject to Senate confirmation. But the system is currently too weak to prevent an unqualified or partisan appointment.”

He maintained that while checks and balances exist, the current system cannot fully restrain executive overreach. He stressed that the Senate confirmation process must be rigorous and devoid of political bias.

Similarly, legal scholar Adedeji highlighted the shortcomings of the present framework:

“There was a time when a reform committee suggested taking the appointment powers away from the President. Unfortunately, that never materialised. We need broader consultation before making such key decisions.”

Under Sections 153 and 154 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President appoints the INEC Chairman, subject to Senate confirmation.

Though the Council of State may be consulted, its role is advisory, not binding — a point many reform advocates have flagged as inadequate.

Some civil society groups have even proposed that the Supreme Court or an independent electoral commission make such appointments, but Adedeji countered this, arguing that the quality of the appointee remains the most critical factor.

“Let’s focus on the credibility and competence of the nominee. If the process is reformed without addressing that, we’re still back to square one,” he said.

In his farewell speech, Professor Yakubu explained that he was stepping down in accordance with Section 306 of the Constitution and had consulted fellow commissioners before nominating May Agbamuche-Mbu as the acting chairperson.

“I am handing over to one of the most senior commissioners to allow sufficient time for the appointment of a substantive chairman,” he said.

Yakubu presented two key publications — ‘Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025’ and ‘Innovations in Electoral Technology’ — summarising the commission’s evolution under his leadership.

Reflecting on his decade-long tenure, he acknowledged challenges such as **logistics, security, and natural disasters, while highlighting key innovations, including:

Digitalisation of the biometric register
Use of real-time monitoring tools
Virtual training of election officials
Electoral finance management tools

He praised the NYSC members for their dedication and acknowledged the critical feedback from Nigerians that spurred the Commission to push forward.

The newly appointed acting chair, May Agbamuche-Mbu brings over 30 years of legal expertise. She holds degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, the College of Law London and Queen Mary University of London, with qualifications in Commercial Law and International Dispute Resolution.

A former editor of THISDAY LAWYER, she also served as legal adviser to both public and private institutions before joining INEC as National Commissioner in 2016.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has promised that the parliament will prioritise electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at the resumption of plenary, Abbas said:

“We must finalise the Electoral Act amendments well in advance. These include provisions for real-time result transmission, a more democratic primary process, and the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission.”

On security, Abbas advocated for multi-level policing, including amending the Police Act 2020 to devolve recruitment and training powers to state governments under federal supervision.

He also voiced support for the Reserved Seats Bill to boost women’s representation, stating, “We are all HeForShe in advancing gender inclusion.”

As preparations for elections in Anambra, FCT, Ekiti, and Osun continue, all eyes are now on President Tinubu, who will nominate the next INEC Chairman.

The decision, experts argue, could either build public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system — or erode it further.

Also read: Tinubu honours Mahmood Yakubu as INEC chairman tenure ends

The call for INEC chairman appointment reform continues to resonate, as stakeholders push for a process that safeguards electoral integrity, public confidence, and democratic stability b.