Mahmood Yakubu Bows Out, Names Mu’azu As INEC Acting Chairman

Pending the determination of his nomination for reappointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu on Monday named an Acting Chairman for the Commission.

He handed over to AVM Ahmed Mu’azu (rtd), as Acting Chairman, pending his clearance by the Senate.

Yakubu’s five-year tenure ended Monday. He was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2015.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Prof. Yakubu noted that it will be inappropriate for him to remain in office beyond today, 9th November 2020, without confirmation by the Senate and swearing to another oath of office as provided by law.

According to him, “You may recall that the current Commission was inaugurated in three batches. The Chairman and five Commissioners were sworn-in on 9th November 2015, followed by another six Commissioners on 7th December 2016 and one more Commissioner on 21st July 2018.

“The Commission is a constitutional body whose members are appointed for five years which may be renewed for a second and final term. This means that my tenure and that of the first set of five Commissioners ends today.

“As you are already aware, our work as election managers requires us to enforce the law, regulations, and guidelines. In doing so, we must demonstrate strict respect for, and compliance with, the Constitution of Nigeria and subsidiary laws. Consequently, it will be inappropriate for me to remain in office beyond today, 9th November 2020, without confirmation by the Senate and swearing to another oath of office as provided by law.

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“Pending the conclusion of the statutory process, the remaining National Commissioners have resolved that AVM Ahmed Mu’azu (rtd) will oversee the affairs of the Commission.

“It is therefore my pleasure to hand over to him in the interim. We have worked as a team for the last four years. Therefore, there is nothing new to anyone of them”, he said.

He lauded the support of the members of the Commission, the Resident Electoral Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, Directors, members of the technical team, heads of the various security agencies deployed to INEC, and all staff of the Commission nationwide, adding that he looks forward to working with them again.

In his response, the Acting Chairman, AVM Ahmed Mu’azu (rtd), thanked the outgoing chairman of INEC and his colleagues for the privilege and confidence reposed in him to oversee the commission.

He assured that he will handle the affairs of the commission with all due diligence.