Let’s talk about the biggest job opening in Nigerian politics – one that could make or break the 2027 elections – Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the man who has overseen Nigeria’s last two (2019 & 2023) controversial elections, is finally stepping down as INEC chairman by October 2025 after a decade in charge.
Now, all eyes are on President Tinubu because whoever he picks next could decide whether Nigerians actually believe in the next election results or just roll their eyes and say ‘here we go again.‘
Why this appointment matters
Yakubu’s reign has been largely plagued by distrust in Nigeria’s electioneering system, with many accusing him of being a sellout, especially because of the 2023 elections outcome.
From the BVAS failures, delayed results, to the endless opposition outcry, critics describe the election as a sham at best. So, the next INEC boss has to convince Nigerians that voting actually counts.
With President Tinubu more than likely to seek a re-election in 2027, all bets are on him to appoint a ‘yes-man’ (someone who would favour his re-election). But will Nigerians take it lying down?
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The regional politics game
Nigeria has an unspoken rule. INEC chairs usually aren’t from the president’s region. Past leaders followed this to avoid looking biased:
- President Olusegun Obasanjo from the Southwest picked INEC chairmen from the South-South (Abel Guobadia) & Southeast (Maurice Iwu).
- President Goodluck Jonathan from the South-South went with a Northerner Professor Attahiru Jega.
- President Muhammadu Buhari from the Northwest chose Mahmood Yakubu from the Northeast.
But will Tinubu play by the same rules? Rumours already swirled about a fake “leaked” pick, in person of Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan – a Yoruba man, like Tinubu. If he does go Southwest, critics will scream foul. But some, like ex-INEC commissioner Lai Olurode, argue that “If they’re qualified, why not?”
The ‘must be a professor’ factor
There’s no law saying INEC’s boss has to be a professor. Yet since 1999, it’s been academics, except one judge back in the day. Legal expert Olukoya Ogungbeje calls it “tradition, not necessity.” So, could Tinubu shock us with a non-academic? Maybe. But don’t hold your breath.
How much power does Tinubu really have?
The president basically handpicks INEC’s chair, ‘consults’ the Council of State (which he chairs), and sends the name to the Senate (which his party controls).
Remember how Nasir El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination got blocked? That’s the only time Tinubu’s pick failed – and even that smelled politics as insinuated by the former Kaduna governor.
The bottom line is, unless reforms happen (shoutout to the forgotten 2008 Uwais Report), INEC stays vulnerable to presidential influence.
INEC’s tech and logistics nightmares
Whoever takes over INEC will inherit a mess:
- BVAS & IReV glitches left 2023’s election transparency in doubt
- Late materials meant millions waited hours (or gave up)
- Yakubu promised fixes, but 2027’s new boss will need more than promises, he or she would will flawless execution.
What’s next?
Tinubu’s choice will send a signal:
✅ Pick a neutral, credible leader = Maybe restore some faith in elections
❌ Play politics = Guarantee a tsunami of “rigging” accusations by 2027
