Abuja, FCT — The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rotimi Oyekanmi, has dismissed reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu directed his principal to immediately proceed on leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure.
Speaking on Thursday, September 25, Oyekanmi urged Nigerians to rely on the 1999 Constitution rather than speculation.
Citing the law, he said:
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On appointment: Section 154(1) states that the president appoints the INEC chairman and commissioners, subject to Senate confirmation.
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On removal: Section 157(1) provides that removal can only occur if the president acts on an address supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate, citing inability to discharge duties or misconduct.
Oyekanmi stressed that these constitutional safeguards prevent arbitrary removal, implying that reports of a presidential directive lack legal backing.
The clarification comes after some media outlets reported on September 24 that Tinubu had asked Prof. Yakubu to proceed on leave while preparing to nominate a successor.
