Mahmood Yakubu’s INEC Era Nears End As Olumekun Emerges Acting Chairman

Mr. Sam Olumekun has officially taken over as the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stepping into the role as part of a leadership transition at the nation’s electoral body.

Olumekun, who also serves as INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, carried out his first assignment on Monday by receiving a delegation from the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The team was led by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.

During the meeting, Governor Otti presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment that resolved leadership disputes within the Labour Party. He explained that the visit was aimed at ensuring clarity and alignment between the party and INEC regarding the current structure of LP’s leadership.

The engagement also focused on strengthening collaboration between political parties and the electoral body, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to democratic values.

In his remarks, Mr. Olumekun assured the delegation of INEC’s dedication to transparency, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law in fulfilling its constitutional duties.

GWG.ng reports that Olumekun’s assumption of office comes amid viral rumours claiming that INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, had been removed from office. A widely circulated WhatsApp message had falsely claimed that Professor Yakubu was replaced by one “Professor Bashiru Olamilekan” by President Bola Tinubu. However, both INEC and the Presidency have since debunked the rumour.

Professor Yakubu, currently in his second term, is expected to leave office later this year. As per Nigeria’s constitutional process, appointing a new INEC Chairman involves a presidential nomination, security screening by the Department of State Services (DSS), advisory review by the National Council of State, and eventual confirmation by the Senate.

As the leadership transition unfolds, Nigerians and stakeholders are watching closely to ensure that the integrity of the electoral commission remains intact.
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