President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred a national honour on outgoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, as he formally bows out of office after nearly a decade in charge.
The honour, awarded during a brief ceremony at the State House, recognized Yakubu’s role in overseeing three general elections, including the landmark 2023 polls. Tinubu described Yakubu as “a dedicated public servant who navigated one of the most difficult electoral terrains in Africa with courage.”
Yakubu, whose tenure officially ended this week, expressed gratitude to Nigerians for the opportunity to serve, while urging continued support for INEC under the new Acting Chair, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu.
His exit closes a historic chapter for Nigeria’s electoral system, though opinions remain divided over his legacy, with supporters citing institutional reforms while critics point to controversies surrounding election logistics and credibility.
