By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, has reappointed Dr Mahmood Yakubu as the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
The reappointment, which was announced by the presidency yesterday, is subject to the Senate’s confirmation.
When confirmed, as expected, Yakubu would be the first INEC chairman to enjoy two terms in office.
Yakubu was first appointed INEC chairman in November 2015. He succeeded Attahiru Jega, who supervised the 2015 general election.
Yakubu supervised the 2019 general election and off-cycle elections in Kogi, Edo and Ondo states.
While many of the elections he supervised were criticised by local and international observers for inadequacies, most observers commended the two most recent elections, the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
Yakubu’s re-appointment was announced by Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina, in a statement.
According to Mr Adesina, in a letter to President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, President Buhari said that in accordance with the provision of Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate, the nomination of Professor Mahmood Yakubu for appointment as Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a second and final term.”