By Abiola Olawale
The race for the next Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman has intensified with two prominent Southwest figures; INEC national commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, and a University of Lagos don specializing in political science and governance, Professor Bashiru Olamilekan, reportedly in the race to make history as the region’s first INEC boss since 1999.
Also, Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman, a serving Justice of the Court of Appeal, is said to be in the race to become the next INEC Chairman.
With Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s decade-long stewardship set to conclude next month, insiders have pointed out that the next INEC Chairman might come from the South West.
Yakubu, who assumed office in 2015 under former President Muhammadu Buhari and earned a second term in 2020, has overseen elections in 2019 and 2023, cementing his status as the longest-serving INEC chair in the nation’s democratic history.
Meanwhile, Yakubu’s departure will allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to choose a new chairman. According to Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the president is responsible for appointing the INEC chairman, but the appointment must be confirmed by the Senate.
Reports emerging have revealed that Tinubu’s home base and one of only two zones (alongside North Central) yet to produce an INEC leader since the commission’s 1966 inception is reportedly in a strong race to produce the next INEC Chairman.
Among the rumored shortlist are Olumekun, Olamilekan, Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman, and retired Professor Lai Olurode.
Although Tinubu hasn’t publicly revealed who he plans to appoint, sources say he initially wanted someone from the South West. However, political pressure made him consider people from other regions as well.
The New Diplomat’s checks revealed that should the report materialise, it will be the first time both the President and the INEC Chairman will hail from the same region ahead of a general election.
In the past, presidents have avoided appointing INEC chairmen from their own regions.
Tafawa Balewa picked Eyo Ita Esua (South-South)
Shehu Shagari appointed Michael Ani (South-East) and Victor Ovie-Whiskey (South-South),
Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Ephraim Akpata, Abel Guobadia (both South-South), and Maurice Iwu (South-East),
Goodluck Jonathan chose Professor Attahiru Jega (North-West),
Muhammadu Buhari appointed Professor Mahmood Yakubu (North-East).
Apart from a short period when Amina Bala Zakari acted as chairman under Buhari, no sitting president has ever appointed an INEC chairman from their own region.
