On 25 September 2025 Nigerian media were abuzz with reports that President Bola Tinubu had issued a directive ordering Prof Mahmood Yakubu Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to proceed on terminal leave ahead of the end of his tenure The alleged directive if confirmed could represent a dramatic twist in Nigerias electoral calendar raise constitutional questions and unsettle key stakeholders This article gathers the available information to explain what is known the conflicting accounts and the possible implications .
Background Yakubus Tenure at INEC
Prof Mahmood Yakubu was first appointed INEC Chairman in 2015 by then President Muhammadu Buhari and later reappointed for a second term His current two term tenure is due to end in the first week of December 2025 Historically no INEC Chairman in Nigeria has served two full terms under the commissions present structure With the looming expiration of Yakubus term Nigeria is preparing for a leadership transition within INEC at a very critical moment ahead of the 2027 general elections .
The Presidential Directive Report
What the Reports Claim
According to Nigerian news outlets there was confusion late Wednesday over claims that President Tinubu allegedly directed Yakubu to suspend official duties and go on terminal leave before the natural end of his tenure The alleged move reportedly led to the abrupt cancellation of Yakubus final quarterly consultative meeting with political parties and a planned session with civil society organisations The disruption of these important engagements triggered speculation that the directive may be linked to political maneuvering or transition strategies .
Responses and Denials
The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi urged the public to be cautious about the reports He said Nigerians should first refer to the 1999 Constitution before drawing conclusions Oyekanmi stressed that the removal or suspension of an INEC Chairman is guided by constitutional safeguards The Constitution states that appointment of the INEC Chairman must be made by the President but requires confirmation by the Senate It also provides that the President may only remove such an official if supported by a two thirds majority of the Senate citing inability or misconduct .
Key Legal and Institutional Issues
Constitutional Safeguards
The Nigerian Constitution was designed to insulate the INEC Chair from arbitrary removal by the executive requiring a Senate backed motion of removal If a directive was indeed issued for Yakubu to go on leave prematurely it would raise questions about legality and adherence to constitutional provisions .
Uncertainty and Institutional Disruption
The sudden cancellation of meetings and uncertainty over leadership roles have created potential disruption within INEC and its electoral calendar With the 2027 elections approaching any leadership vacuum or confusion within the electoral body could increase the risk of political interference or misuse of the transition process .
Political Incentives and Timing
The alleged directive comes at a delicate period just months before Yakubus tenure ends and at a time when preparations for the next electoral cycle should be gathering pace Some observers warn that leadership transitions in sensitive institutions like INEC can be politically exploited especially where institutions are still fragile .
What Is Unclear
It has not been independently confirmed whether President Tinubu actually issued such a directive The reports remain unverified It is also not known whether Yakubu has complied with the directive or how INEC is managing internal operations in his absence There has been no official statement from the President or Presidency directly addressing the reports It is equally unclear if or when the Senate or other oversight bodies will intervene or whether any legal action may follow Speculation remains as to whether the directive if true is aimed at influencing succession planning managing public perception or shaping the leadership process ahead of the next elections .
Implications and What Might Follow
Institutional Integrity
If the reports are accurate the episode could undermine public confidence in INECs independence and raise fresh doubts about executive interference in electoral matters Such a development could damage the credibility of future elections .
Precedent and Future Transition
The outcome of this controversy will set a precedent for how future transitions in Nigerias electoral body are handled A resolution that is transparent and constitutionally compliant could strengthen institutions while a politicised resolution may weaken them .
Political Fallout and Stakeholder Reactions
Political parties civil society organisations legal experts and the wider public are likely to demand clear answers Some may call for investigations or judicial oversight The Senate could also be drawn in to interpret its role in matters concerning the tenure of the INEC Chair .
Electoral Calendar Disruption
Leadership confusion within INEC risks delaying or discarding important consultations and preparations for upcoming elections This would place extra pressure on election planning logistics and overall public confidence in the process .
Conclusion
The headline about a presidential directive to the INEC Chairman has created suspense and uncertainty but the facts remain unsettled Nigerias Constitution clearly restricts the power of the President to remove or suspend the INEC Chair without Senate involvement Yet the timing of the reports the sudden disruption of official schedules and the lack of clear confirmation have raised concerns about the stability and independence of the electoral system As Nigerians and international observers await clarity the resolution of this issue could carry lasting implications for the democratic journey of the country .