Buhari appoints Professor of political history as INEC Chair

Biodun Abimbola

President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday announced Mahmood Yakubu, a professor of political history and international studies,as new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman

Yakubu, who is a former executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund is to take over from the acting chairman of the commission, Amina Zakari.

The appointment which is to be ratified by the senate was made on Wednesday by the president at  the council of state meeting in Abuja.

Following Yakubu’s appointment, Amina Zakari, is now the INEC Commissioner representing the North-West.

Some Nigerians have clamored for Zakari’s removal as her tenure as INEC National Electoral Commissioner has expired, according to Ekiti State governor last month “she cannot continue to preside legally on INEC  affairs, except if duly appointed as substantive Chairman of the commission as provided in Section 154 (1) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).