President Tinubu Accepts INEC Chairman Yakubu’s Departure, Bestows National Honour

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the expiration of his second term in office.

According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu thanked Professor Yakubu for his services to the nation.

The statement noted that Professor Yakubu was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission for an initial term of five years, and that his appointment, which was renewed in 2020, had now expired due to the passage of time.

President Tinubu reportedly expressed his gratitude for Professor Yakubu’s efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of what the President described as free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.

In a move acknowledging Professor Yakubu’s dedicated service, President Tinubu was said to have bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Furthermore, the President was reported to have directed Professor Yakubu to hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu. She is expected to direct the affairs of the commission until the completion of the process to appoint a successor.

The statement also mentioned that Professor Yakubu, in a letter dated October 3, 2025, had thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the nation as chairman of the commission since it 2015. The formal announcement followed a final communication from the departing chairman. The statement disclosed that Professor Yakubu, had graciously thanked the President and the entire nation for the singular opportunity to serve as Chairman of the commission since his initial appointment in 2015. His departure marks a pivotal moment, focusing the national political conversation on the selection of a successor who will be tasked with consolidating electoral reforms and leading INEC into the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The announcement was made public today, October 7, 2025, by the Special Adviser to the President.