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Tinubu shops for new INEC chairman for 2027 elections

Published

1 year 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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Nigerian Labour Leader Dies in Geneva During International Labour Conference

Published

26 minutes ago

June 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Domingo Adeleke

Nigerian Labour Leader Dies in Geneva During International Labour Conference

The Nigerian delegation to the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva and the country’s labour movement have been thrown into mourning following the death of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, a prominent Nigerian labour leader and trade unionist.

Adeleke, who served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and was also a member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), reportedly died on Tuesday after a brief illness while attending the global labour gathering in Switzerland.

According to reports from the Nigerian delegation, Adeleke became ill during the conference and was immediately taken for medical attention in Geneva, where efforts to stabilise his condition proved unsuccessful.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) confirmed his passing, describing him as a committed and passionate advocate for workers’ rights, who dedicated his career to the promotion of decent work, fair wages, and improved labour conditions in Nigeria.

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In an official reaction, the NLC expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that Adeleke was part of the 2026 Nigerian Workers’ Delegation to the International Labour Conference at the time of his death. The Congress praised his long-standing commitment to labour activism and his consistent representation of workers’ interests at both state and national levels.

Labour officials further highlighted that Adeleke’s contributions extended beyond union leadership, as he played an active role in negotiations and engagements aimed at strengthening public service delivery and improving industrial relations across Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

His death has triggered widespread grief within Nigeria’s organised labour community, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, union leaders, and civil servants who described him as a principled and tireless advocate for social justice.

The NLC noted that Adeleke’s presence at the International Labour Conference reflected his lifelong dedication to advancing workers’ welfare on a global stage, adding that he remained actively engaged in discussions and advocacy efforts until his sudden illness.

Arrangements have reportedly begun for the repatriation of his remains to Nigeria, where further funeral plans will be announced by his family and labour organisations in consultation with the government and union leadership.

The labour movement has extended condolences to his family, the Lagos State workforce, and the wider union community, describing his death as a significant loss to Nigeria’s trade union history and public service advocacy.

Adeleke is remembered as a committed organiser whose work helped shape labour relations and strengthened the voice of workers in government negotiations.

Nigerian Labour Leader Dies in Geneva During International Labour Conference

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Married Woman Who Staged Own Abduction for N50m Ransom Found in Hotel With Lover

Published

2 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Married Woman Who Staged Own Abduction for N50m Ransom Found in Hotel With Lover

A married woman identified as Oluchi has been found in a hotel in Delta State after allegedly staging her own abduction and demanding a N50 million ransom from her family, in a dramatic case that has left relatives and friends reeling from shock and betrayal.

The incident began when family members reported to the police that Oluchi had been kidnapped in the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. Following the report, her children — including a daughter based in Canada — launched frantic efforts to secure her release, appealing to the public for financial assistance as the supposed kidnappers reportedly reduced the ransom demand from N50 million to N20 million.

However, a police investigation into the alleged abduction led detectives to a completely different scene. A source familiar with the case disclosed that operatives traced the phone number of a male suspect to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State, where they found Oluchi together with her alleged lover. “Police traced the number of the man to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State. They met the man and the kidnapped woman inside a hotel,” the source told newsmen. “They called the husband, and he was happy. It was at the station that the police broke the news to him. The wife begged the husband not to tell her children what actually transpired.” Police authorities have since confirmed that four persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, and investigations are ongoing.

In a video that has since circulated widely online, Oluchi’s daughter, Anita, who resides in Canada, expressed shock and disappointment over her mother’s alleged involvement in the scheme. “My mum has been released. She is involved in this kidnapping case. I only did what I did to save my mother. The family is in shock. This is not right. This has shattered my family,” Anita said in the emotional video. She revealed that her father has underlying health issues, describing the situation as deeply unfortunate. “My reputation has been ruined. I am short of words. I am so mad. I have no hand in this. I never knew. I only wanted my mother back home. The law will take its course. I am sorry this is happening. I only did what any daughter would do.”

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Anita confirmed that no ransom was paid and that all funds raised during the search effort remain intact and will be refunded to donors. “We involved the police from the beginning. We now know it was not a real kidnapping. We were told my mother was involved and that she was in a relationship with the man. They had planned to collect the N20 million already raised,” she added.

The Harmony Ladies Club, a social organization to which Anita belongs, has distanced itself from the incident, expressing deep disappointment, shock, and embarrassment at the turn of events. In a statement circulated on its WhatsApp platform, the group recounted how members had rallied in good faith to support the family during what they believed was a genuine life-threatening crisis. “When news of her alleged abduction broke, the club acted swiftly in good faith. Out of sisterhood, love, and a sense of community responsibility, we rallied immediately. Our members provided extensive emotional, logistical, and financial support during what we believed was a life-threatening crisis, carrying the heavy burden of anxiety alongside her family,” the statement read. “It is with a profound sense of betrayal that we have now discovered, through investigations, that the entire kidnapping incident was staged by Mrs. Oluchi herself.”

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, CSP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that four persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. “I can confirm the incident and also let you know that four people have been arrested in connection with it,” she stated. Police authorities said investigations are ongoing and that those found culpable will face prosecution in accordance with the law.

This incident is the latest in a worrying trend of staged kidnappings across Nigeria, where individuals orchestrate fake abductions to extort money from relatives and the public. Just days before this case came to light, the Ogun State Police Command uncovered a transnational criminal syndicate involved in coordinated fake abduction schemes. The operation led to the arrest of eight foreign nationals from Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Ivory Coast, and the Republic of Benin who were operating from a hideout in Adiyan Town, Agbado Area of Ogun State. In that case, a 23-year-old Mauritanian national had contacted his family abroad claiming he had been kidnapped in Nigeria and demanding ransom. The suspects reportedly confessed to orchestrating the staged kidnapping to defraud victims’ families.

Similarly, the Ogun State Police Command recently arrested a man identified as Johnson Elleh for producing and sharing a fabricated video suggesting kidnapping and bandit activity along the Owode-Idiroko corridor. Another suspect, Qawiyu Oloyede, was also arrested for posting a fake bandit attack on social media, admitting he fabricated the video to attract online followers. These cases highlight the growing sophistication of individuals exploiting the public’s fear of kidnapping for financial gain, as well as the increasing use of social media to amplify false narratives and solicit funds under false pretenses.

Under Nigerian law, staging a fake kidnapping and making false reports to the police constitutes a criminal offense. Individuals convicted of false kidnapping alarm can face significant prison terms, as the act is considered not only a fraud against family members but also a waste of law enforcement resources. Legal experts note that charges may include obtaining money under false pretenses, conspiracy to commit fraud, and making false reports to public authorities. The fact that four persons have already been arrested in connection with this case suggests that accomplices — including the alleged lover — may also face prosecution.

Married Woman Who Staged Own Abduction for N50m Ransom Found in Hotel With Lover

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Oyo Govt Weaponising Kidnap Saga Against Islam, MURIC Alleges

Published

14 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Professor Ishaq Akintola and Gov Seyi Makinde

Oyo Govt Weaponising Kidnap Saga Against Islam, MURIC Alleges

Group says fabricated Sharia demand is part of campaign to stigmatise Muslims in South-West

IBADAN — A civil liberties organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has accused the Oyo State Government of weaponising the ongoing abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the state to incite religious hatred against Islam and Muslims in the South-West region.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, 9th June 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC insisted that the controversial claim that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Sharia law as a condition for releasing the hostages raises more questions than answers. The group declared that the entire narrative appears to be a calculated attempt to stigmatise Muslims and provoke public outrage against the faith.

Professor Akintola stated that the group has been led to this conclusion because the incident occurred within Oyo State, placing the matter squarely under the jurisdiction of the state government. He argued that it is therefore assumed that the state government has a major input in the ongoing negotiations, making it complicit in the spread of the disputed information.

According to the statement, a video clip emerged immediately after the so-called demand for Sharia law surfaced, showing some traditionalists staging a public protest, presumably in Ibadan, the state capital. The group quoted the video where a lady led others to chant, “Say no to Islam, Esin apaayan,” which translates to “Say no to Islam, the religion of murderers.” MURIC described this as highly provocative.

The group maintained that the protest was staged after the fabricated demand for Sharia by the kidnappers was announced. It alleged that the kidnappers’ conditions, including the demand for the implementation of Sharia, were made public through the instrumentality of the state government under the watch of Governor Seyi Makinde.

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Professor Akintola therefore held Governor Makinde responsible for inciting people against Muslims, warning that any unpalatable outcome arising from the situation must also be attributed to him. He further argued that it would be relatively safe to conclude that the so-called conditions, including that of Sharia implementation, could not have reached the public without the knowledge of the state government.

MURIC then tasked the Oyo State government to speak up on whether or not the kidnappers actually demanded the implementation of Sharia law as a condition for releasing the kidnapped children and their teachers. The group demanded that the state government clarify the issue without further delay.

Beyond the need for clarifications, the group raised several logical questions regarding the alleged demand. It asked why kidnappers of schoolchildren in Oyo State would add the implementation of Sharia to their demands when full Sharia implementation in northern Nigeria did not dissuade kidnappers there from abducting the old, the young, Christians and Muslims alike.

The group further questioned why kidnapping became rampant in the North, which is the home of Islamic law, if the law is supposedly attractive to kidnappers. It also asked why Oyo kidnappers would demand Sharia when the same legal system did not stop kidnapping in the northern region.

Professor Akintola also demanded transparency regarding those negotiating with the kidnappers, asking who they are and how transparent the process has been. He suggested that an embedded Islamic scholar should be part of the negotiation team for verification of the Sharia clause.

In a particularly strong statement, the group argued, “How can a robber demand the presence of armed policemen at the scene of his robbery? Can a rat make it a condition that a huge cat must be on guard where it wants to steal roasted fish? It stands logic on its head.”

MURIC further noted that even the Sharia brand being practised in the North is full-scale, while Muslims in the South-West have been demanding only a mild form of civil Sharia to be used for family matters. The group questioned who the narrative was intended to fool.

The group also issued a political warning, cautioning political associates of former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress against picking Governor Seyi Makinde as a running mate. Professor Akintola described Makinde as a “sworn enemy of Islam,” claiming this has been obvious in his speeches and actions. He added that a liberal Christian from the South would be more acceptable to Southern Muslims.

In conclusion, MURIC stated that whoever injected the Sharia demand into the kidnappers’ conditionalities has “shot himself in the foot.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government had not issued an official response to MURIC’s allegations. Meanwhile, the abducted schoolchildren and teachers remain in captivity, with the Vice Principal of the school, Mrs. Folawe Alamu, having previously debunked the Sharia law demand in a video statement, insisting that the kidnappers only want their detained members released.