As the tenure of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, draws to a close, tension has heightened over Nigeria’s ability to make the right choice in appointing his successor.
Yakubu, who was first appointed in 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed in 2020, will complete his second five-year term in October 2025. During his 10 years as INEC boss, he oversaw two general elections in 2019 and 2023.
While some political observers anticipate a smooth transition, others remain sceptical, citing doubts about the transparency and fairness of the appointment process.