The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently disclose details of the selection and appointment process for the successor to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ends in November 2025.
In a letter dated September 27 and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the President to reveal the number and names of candidates under consideration, and to confirm whether the Council of State has been or will be consulted, as required by the constitution.
SERAP also urged Tinubu to reconsider the appointments of at least three alleged All Progressives Congress (APC) members as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of INEC, recommending the nomination of non-partisan replacements.
“The selection and appointment of Mr. Yakubu’s successor must not be a ‘closed shop,’” the letter stated. “A transparent and accountable process serves the public interest and fosters trust in INEC’s independence and impartiality.”
The group emphasized that transparency is critical to ensuring competent, impartial appointments and reducing conflicts of interest. “In electoral management, perception is vital. The process must not only be fair and objective but also be seen as such.”
Professor Yakubu will complete his two-term, 10-year tenure in November. President Tinubu is expected to appoint his successor soon, subject to Senate confirmation.
