Nigerian Electoral Commission Chairman Bids Farewell to ECOWAS Colleagues, Calls for Democratic Resilience

Outgoing INEC Chairman Advocates Regional Collaboration Amid Democratic Challenges

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), delivered his farewell address to fellow West African electoral commissioners on Thursday during an extraordinary general assembly in Banjul, Gambia. The meeting, organized by the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), marked Yakubu’s final appearance as INEC chairman in the regional forum.

In his speech, Yakubu emphasized the critical need for stronger collaboration among election management bodies across West Africa, particularly in light of recent democratic setbacks in the region.

“While all ECOWAS countries were under democratic rule in 2017, sadly, that is no longer the case,” Yakubu noted. “But I remain hopeful that democracy will soon return to those nations. We must continue to work together to strengthen our institutions and defend electoral integrity.”

Rumors of Early Removal Debunked Amid Leadership Transition

Yakubu’s appearance at the ECONEC meeting came amid swirling speculation that President Bola Tinubu had removed him from office prematurely. These rumors intensified after Labour Party officials met with INEC’s Acting Chairman, Sam Olumekun, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

However, these claims were swiftly dismissed when Yakubu presided over the Commission’s weekly management meeting on Tuesday. His Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, clarified that Olumekun was merely serving in an acting capacity during Yakubu’s absence for the Gambia conference.

A Legacy of Electoral Leadership

During the ECONEC assembly, Yakubu, who previously served as President of the ECONEC Steering Committee, paid tribute to former members of the network. He acknowledged their collective efforts in promoting credible elections and strengthening democratic governance throughout West Africa.

Yakubu’s tenure as INEC Chairman began in 2015 and was renewed in 2020. His service is expected to conclude later this year, marking nearly a decade of leadership at Nigeria’s electoral commission.

The Importance of Electoral Integrity in West Africa

Election management bodies like INEC play a vital role in maintaining democratic stability across the region. In recent years, West Africa has witnessed concerning trends with military coups and democratic backsliding in several nations, underscoring the importance of strong, independent electoral institutions.

Organizations such as ECOWAS and ECONEC provide crucial frameworks for collaboration among electoral bodies, helping to establish and maintain democratic standards across the region.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Democratic Institutions

As Professor Yakubu prepares to step down, his call for a renewed commitment to democratic principles reflects ongoing concerns about electoral integrity throughout West Africa. The transition at INEC comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s democratic journey and highlights the importance of institutional continuity and independence.

For more information on electoral management in West Africa and democratic governance initiatives, visit the African Union’s Democracy and Elections Assistance Unit or the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.