The countdown has well and truly begun. In a matter of weeks, Professor Mahmood Yakubu will conclude his second term as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), closing a contentious, decade-long chapter in Nigeria’s democratic story. The air is thick not with nostalgia, but with a palpable, urgent question: what happens next?
The appointment of an INEC chairman is never just another job vacancy. It is a defining political decision, a signal of intent, a move that can either bolster a fragile democratic spirit or shatter it entirely. With the 2027 general elections looming—elections in which President Bola Tinubu is widely expected to seek a second term—the choice of Yakubu’s successor is arguably the most consequential appointment of this administration. It is a choice that will either restore a measure of public trust or confirm its terminal decline.
Yakubu’s time at the helm of INEC brought both ambition and challenge. Under his leadership, the commission introduced technological tools like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). These innovations promised to strengthen the transparency and efficiency of elections—a vision widely supported by the public. Yet, their implementation encountered difficulties, particularly during the 2023 general elections, where technical and logistical issues drew criticism and underscored the gap between intention and execution.
These challenges, however, should not overshadow the broader context. Electoral administration in a country as vast and complex as Nigeria is an unenviable task. INEC operates under immense pressure, with limited resources and high public expectations. While there is room for improvement, it is also important to acknowledge the incremental progress made—even amid setbacks.
The appointment of a new INEC chairman represents an opportunity to build on this progress. The process, as outlined by law, requires the President to consult the Council of State before submitting a nominee to the Senate for confirmation. In practice, the choice will signal the administration’s priorities. Will it opt for continuity or pursue meaningful reform? The decision will reverberate far beyond the walls of the commission.
Credibility must be the foremost criterion in this selection. To restore and strengthen public trust, the next chair must be widely perceived as impartial, competent, and resilient. Historical precedents offer a useful guide: past presidents have often chosen appointees from outside their own regions or political circles, a practice that helped bolster confidence in the commission’s neutrality. Maintaining this tradition of geographic and political balance would be a prudent step toward ensuring legitimacy.
Yet, symbolism alone is insufficient. The ideal candidate should possess not only administrative skill but also the fortitude to lead institutional reform. This includes fostering greater internal accountability, particularly among Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), whose performance directly shapes the credibility of elections at the state level. Strengthening training, enhancing transparency, and enforcing compliance with electoral guidelines will be essential to improving future operations.
Technological infrastructure also demands sustained attention. The promise of systems like BVAS and IReV remains real, but their success depends on consistent investment, thorough testing, and operational discipline. The next leadership would do well to focus on closing the gap between technological potential and practical delivery.
Internationally, examples from other democracies offer valuable lessons. Countries like Ghana and India have built electoral management bodies known for their efficiency and reliability—not through occasional leaps, but through deliberate, steady improvements and bipartisan support. Nigeria can draw inspiration from these models without ignoring its own unique challenges.
For President Tinubu, this appointment is a chance to demonstrate statesmanship. A credible, capable INEC leadership would not only reinforce the legitimacy of the 2027 elections but also contribute to national stability. A perceived misstep, however, could deepen public skepticism and weaken institutional trust.
The responsibility does not rest with the executive alone. The Senate must carry out its confirmation role with thoroughness and discernment, judging the nominee on merit, independence, and fitness for the role. Civil society organizations, the media, and the electorate likewise have roles to play in advocating for transparency and accountability throughout the process.
As Yakubu’s tenure concludes, the focus should shift to the future. Nigeria’s democracy is a work in progress, and each election cycle offers a chance to learn and refine. The appointment of the next INEC chairman will be another statement of values and a catalyst for progress. With careful choice and collective effort, this transition can mark a positive turn toward electoral management that truly serves the Nigerian people.
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