Tinubu to Appoint New INEC Chairman: Implication for Future Elections

As 2025 progresses, Nigeria’s political landscape is set for a significant shift with the impending retirement of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in December 2025.

President Bola Tinubu will have the opportunity to appoint a new chairman, a decision that holds substantial implications for the nation’s electoral process.

The appointment of the next INEC chairman is expected to be one of the most closely watched political decisions in 2025, as it has the power to influence Nigeria’s democratic trajectory in the coming years.

A transparent, competent, and independent successor could bolster public confidence in the electoral system, contributing to fairer and more credible elections in the future.

However, the selection of a controversial or politically aligned candidate could erode public trust, stoking civil unrest and further deepening political divides in the country.

In related news, President Tinubu recently appointed two new National Electoral Commissioners for INEC: Tukur Abdulrazaq Yusuf for the North West geopolitical zone and Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja for the South East geopolitical zone. He also appointed Saseyi Feyijimi Ibiyemi as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State.

Tukur, who has a long history with INEC, will face the Senate for clearance. Ibiyemi, a lawyer, will replace Niyi Ijalaye, who passed away while serving as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ogun State.