President Bola Tinubu has reportedly directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure.
According to a report by Saharareporters, insider sources say the move comes in response to what they described as Mahmood’s “last-minute betrayal” of the All Progressives Congress government that appointed him.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma reportedly met with President Tinubu shortly after the president returned from a 12-day working vacation, alleging that Mahmood’s efforts to register new political parties at the end of his tenure had disrupted Tinubu’s preparations for a second term.
The report noted that the governor also claimed that Mahmood was covertly backing a candidate in the Imo State governorship election.
Following this briefing, “Tinubu reportedly requested that Mahmood suspend all official duties and proceed on terminal leave,” Saharareporters stated.
The report further disclosed that Tinubu is now expected to submit the name of a new INEC Chairman to the National Assembly in the coming days.
Mahmood was appointed to office by then-President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015, succeeding acting chairperson, Amina Zakari.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
