Presidency reacts to report about INEC boss sack

The presidency has denied the rumour regarding the replacement of the boss of the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, calling it fake news.

The street of social media has it that the presidency was in search of a replacement for the INEC boss, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, as he had been dismissed by the presidency. The rumour carrier asserted that it was President Tinubu’s allies who were in search of a replacement and had received some recommendations. The report also added that they were in search of a person whom they could easily manipulate to influence the 2027 poll results in their favour.

However, the Presidency has put out an official statement denying the whole of it. O’tega Ogra, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Digital and New Media, had this to say: “Disregard any fake news making the rounds about the replacement of the INEC Chairman.” He also noted that if there was such a situation, the official statement would come from any official source or the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

In the same vein, the INEC has also denied the same rumour about President Tinubu relieving their boss of his duties. In a discussion with Vanguard, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated that the claim should be disregarded, because it is not true.

However, Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as the INEC chairman is drawing to an end. Hence, he would be replaced following the due process, which entails the appointment of a new INEC Chairman. During the process, the president nominates a person who would undergo a screening process under the Department of State Services (DSS). There would also be an advisory review by the National Council of State, which would lead to the final stage of confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.