INEC Chairman: DSS Screens Candidates as Tinubu Moves to Replace Yakubu

 As the tenure of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu approaches its December 2025 expiration, security agencies have begun vetting potential successors.

According to high-level sources, nominees are currently undergoing background checks by the Department of State Services ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s expected presentation of names to the Council of State.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is reportedly preparing invitations for the meeting. Although specific names remain confidential, insiders confirmed that several previously speculated candidates are under consideration.

One source said five to six individuals are being assessed for competence, credibility, and national acceptability.

Yakubu, first appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, is Nigeria’s longest-serving electoral chief. His leadership introduced biometric voter accreditation and electronic result transmission pilots. However, technical failures during the last general election sparked widespread criticism and mistrust.

The Council of State—comprising the President, state governors, former heads of state, the Senate President, the House Speaker, and the Attorney-General—will only advise on the final pick. The President is not constitutionally bound by their recommendation.

Historically, INEC chairmanship has rotated between regions. After earlier appointees from the South-East and South-South, leadership shifted to the North with Prof. Attahiru Jega and later Yakubu. This has reignited debate over which zone should produce the next electoral umpire.

With political tension already building ahead of 2027, the choice of Yakubu’s successor could determine public confidence in the next election cycle.