Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s Legacy and the Burden of His Successor
As Professor Mahmood Yakubu begins the process of stepping down from his role as the national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), KUNLE ODEREMI reflects on his journey, the challenges his successor may face, and broader issues surrounding Nigeria’s electoral system.
After a decade in office, Professor Yakubu has started the transition to his final exit from INEC. His handover to lawyer May Agbamuche-Mbu as the Acting National Chairman has sparked significant interest among stakeholders in the political landscape. The transition marks the end of an era for the commission, with many wondering about the future direction of the organization.
Yakubu was appointed as INEC chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and reappointed in 2020. During his tenure, he oversaw two general elections—2019 and 2023—and various off-cycle polls. His departure coincides with ongoing discussions about electoral reforms and constitutional amendments aimed at enhancing INEC’s independence and efficiency.
The Transition Period and Political Implications
The period leading up to Yakubu’s exit has been marked by speculation about who will succeed him. This uncertainty has overshadowed preparations for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election on November 8. The poll is not only significant for political parties but also for INEC, which is expected to conclude Yakubu’s term on November 9.
While the countdown to his exit continues, the political space has been filled with debates about the trajectory of Yakubu during his time at INEC and the responsibilities of his successor. These discussions highlight the high expectations and interests from various political factions regarding the next INEC leader.
Reforms and Innovations Under Yakubu
Professor Yakubu’s ten-year tenure has been characterized by transformative actions that have had lasting impacts on INEC. His leadership brought stability and continuity, making him the first INEC chairman to serve two consecutive terms. He oversaw the largest number of elections in Nigerian history, including two general elections, multiple governorship polls, and numerous bye-elections.
Key innovations under his leadership include the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which replaced manual processes with fingerprint and facial recognition technology. He also launched the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), allowing citizens to view polling unit results live. Additionally, he modernized voter registration through IVED and ABIS, eliminating fraudulent registrations.
Other notable achievements include the establishment of the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC), which tracks over 1,000 indicators to ensure effective planning and coordination. He also introduced Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) from 2017, significantly expanding the voter roll and improving access to voting.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives on the Next INEC Leader
Experts and leaders have shared their views on the challenges facing the next INEC chairman. Professor Anthony Kila emphasized the need for seamless integration of technology and building trust in the commission. Dr Wunmi Bewaji highlighted the importance of maintaining INEC’s core values of independence and impartiality.
Comrade Niyi Okunniyi of The Patriots called for real-time transmission of presidential election results from every polling unit. Meanwhile, Mr Anthony Z. Sani of the Northern Consultative Forum suggested making voting compulsory to increase turnout and reduce the cost of elections.
Chief Femi Aluko Alate of The Yoruba Initiatives criticized the current appointment process, advocating for a more transparent selection mechanism involving retired Supreme Court justices.
Civil Society Advocacy and Electoral Reforms
Civil society organizations such as Yiaga Africa and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre have proposed 37 recommendations aimed at addressing longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s electoral framework. These proposals focus on strengthening INEC’s independence, improving electoral adjudication, and refining key constitutional provisions.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a transparent and accountable process for selecting Yakubu’s successor. They believe that a closed-door selection would not serve the public interest.
