INEC Gets Acting Chair As Mahmood Awaits Senate Confirmation

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu has said he is handing over the affairs of the commission to AVM Ahmed Muazu, pending his confirmation by the Senate.

In a statement signed by the Chairman himself, he said “As you are already aware, the renewal of my tenure as Chairman of the Commission has been announced, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

“Our work as election managers requires us to enforce the law, regulations and guidelines. In doing so, we must demonstrate strict respect for and compliance with, the Constitution of Nigeria and subsidiary laws.

The Chairman said “Consequently, it will be inappropriate for me to remain in office beyond today, 9th November 2020, without confirmation by the Senate and Swearing to another oath of office as provided by Law.

Pending the conclusion of the statutory process, the remaining National commissioners have resolved that AVM Ahmed Mua’zu (rtd) will oversee the affairs of the Commission.

It is therefore my pleasure to hand over to him in the interim. We have worked as a team for the last four years, therefore there is nothing new to anyone of them, he said

Prof Mahmood recalled that the current commission was inaugurated in three batches. The Chairman and five Commissioners were sworn in on 9th November 2015, followed by another six Commissioners on 7tb December 2016 and one more Commissioner on 21st July 2018.

The Commission is a constitutional body whose members are appointed for five years which may be renewed for a second and final term. “This means that my tenure and that of the first set of five Commissioners ends today” he said

The Chairman expressed his appreciation to Commission members, Resident Electoral Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director General of the Electoral Institute, Directors, Members of the technical team, head of the various security agencies deployed to INEC and all staff of the Commission, assuring he looked forward to working with them again.