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Tinubu shops for new INEC chairman for 2027 elections

Published

8 months ago

March 27, 2025

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu shops for new INEC chairman for 2027 elections

Plans are underway to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yakubu, who has served two terms, will complete his tenure in November.

Investigations reveal that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is yet to be fully involved in the selection process, key figures within and outside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa have already begun strategizing. These individuals, who are known allies of the President, are working to influence the appointment of Yakubu’s successor.

Leading this effort is said to be a former South-South governor, a member of the 1999 political class. Their goal is to install a candidate who will be loyal and easily controlled, raising concerns about the credibility of future elections.

Nigeria’s electoral body has faced intense criticism following the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-season elections. Amid declining public trust in INEC, the appointment of a new chairman is seen as a crucial step in restoring confidence in the electoral system.

Sources indicate that several names have been proposed for the position, though none have been officially disclosed. However, those being considered include former National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) with questionable track records. Their main qualification appears to be their willingness to comply with political influence, rather than their ability to conduct free and fair elections.

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The ongoing discussions about Yakubu’s replacement have drawn comparisons to a controversial decision made by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

On June 30, 2015, Buhari, who had just taken office, ignored established procedures and appointed Amina Bala Zakari, a relative, as acting INEC chairman. This move overruled the handover process initiated by the outgoing chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, who had designated Ambassador (Dr.) Ahmed Wali as his successor based on seniority.

Zakari’s appointment led to national outcry, forcing Buhari to reverse his decision months later. On October 21, 2015, he appointed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the substantive INEC chairman. Yakubu then went on to oversee the controversial 2019 and 2023 elections, both of which faced allegations of irregularities.

With the ball now in Tinubu’s court, sources close to the presidency say the president understands the importance of free and fair elections.

A senior Aso Rock insider told Vanguard, “His declaration that NYSC members should be used to support the conduct of the coming census is not just about saving costs alone but about ensuring credibility of the process. It is the same way he is looking at the appointment of who will succeed Professor Yakubu. He wants a credible process, and he wants to help ensure that Nigerians’ confidence in INEC is not shaken.”

Tinubu shops for new INEC chairman for 2027 elections

Related Topics:Chairman Featured INEC Tinubu

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

8 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.