Analysts Scrutinise Professor Mahmood's Tenure In Office

Analysts Scrutinise Professor Mahmood Yakubu's Tenure in Office

Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s decade-long tenure as Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has drawn intense scrutiny from analysts, political observers, and civil society groups.

His departure in October 2025 marked the end of a historic era, he was the first INEC chairman to serve two full five-year terms, a feat that placed him at the center of Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.

Yakubu’s tenure began in November 2015 under President Muhammadu Buhari, amid cautious optimism. His prior leadership at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) had earned him a reputation for administrative competence, and many Nigerians hoped he would bring reformist zeal to INEC.

Early in his tenure, Yakubu promised to modernize Nigeria’s electoral process through the integration of technology, including biometric voter registration, electronic transmission of results, and the development of online portals for election monitoring.

One of his most ambitious goals was the implementation of electronic voting. While full electronic voting was never realized, Yakubu did oversee significant digital upgrades, such as the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). These tools were designed to enhance transparency and reduce fraud, and they were widely used in the 2023 general elections.

However, Yakubu’s legacy is far from universally praised. Critics argue that despite technological advancements, the credibility of elections under his watch remained questionable.

Allegations of vote rigging, ballot box snatching, voter suppression, and logistical failures persisted throughout his tenure. The 2023 presidential election, in particular, was marred by accusations of irregularities and disenfranchisement, leading to widespread protests and legal challenges.

His decision to step down weeks before the official end of his tenure was seen by some as a strategic move to allow his successor, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, to settle into the role ahead of upcoming electoral activities.

Yakubu cited constitutional provisions and the need for institutional continuity as reasons for his early exit.

President Bola Tinubu’s quiet acceptance of Yakubu’s departure signaled a shift in tone from the presidency. While some viewed it as a routine transition, others interpreted it as a subtle critique of Yakubu’s performance.

Analysts have debated whether history will judge him kindly or harshly. On one hand, he modernized INEC’s infrastructure and pushed for reforms; on the other, he left behind an institution struggling with public trust and operational consistency.

In sum, Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure was a complex blend of innovation and controversy. His efforts to digitize Nigeria’s electoral process were groundbreaking, yet the persistent challenges of electoral malpractice and political interference cast a shadow over his achievements.

As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the lessons from Yakubu’s era will likely shape the discourse on electoral integrity and democratic consolidation for years to come.