Professor Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of INEC, will step down in either October or November 2025 after serving the maximum two terms, totalling 10 years

Yakubu’s departure and likely successor is drawing attention because many Nigerians still yearn for a truly free, fair, and credible general election

There are speculation centres on whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might discard Yakubu before November

Rotimi Oyekanmi, chief press secretary (CPS) to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, has  urged Nigerians to consult the 1999 constitution.

As reported on Thursday, September 25, by Guardian, Oyekanmi gave the advice amid reports that President Bola Tinubu directed his principal to immediately proceed on leave.

A report on Wednesday, September 24, had said Tinubu directed Prof. Yakubu to proceed on leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure in October/November.

The report also said the Nigerian leader is set to nominate Yakubu’s successor.

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However, reacting, INEC chairman, through his CPS, asked Nigerians to check out the constitution before drawing conclusions. He responded when quizzed on the veracity of the report:

“The first thing you need to do is to find out what the law says about the appointment and removal of the INEC chairman and national commissioners.

“The 1999 constitution clearly outlines the process in Section 154(1), which states: ‘Except in the case of ex-officio members or where other provisions are made in this Constitution, the appointment of a person to the office of the chairman or member of any of the bodies so established shall be made by the president and shall be subject to confirmation by the senate.’” 

Oyekanmi added: “It (The Nigerian constitution) also provides safeguards against arbitrary removal in Section 157(1): ‘A person holding any of the offices to which this section applies may only be removed by the president acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the senate praying that he be so removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct.’”

As the political landscape shifts in anticipation of the 2027 election, emerging reports suggest that former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate from the 2023 elections, Rabiu Kwankwaso, may be considering a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This potential move has garnered significant attention, especially given Kwankwaso’s prominent role in the previous election cycle….Click link to continue reading.

However, sources within Abuja indicate that Kwankwaso’s contemplated transition to the APC is not without its challenges. Influential party figures, particularly former APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, are reportedly expressing reservations regarding his switch.

These internal dynamics suggest that there may be significant opposition within the APC, raising questions about the party’s willingness to embrace Kwankwaso as a member.

The unfolding scenario highlights the intricate maneuvering within Nigerian politics as key players prepare for the forthcoming elections, setting the stage for potential alliances and rivalries.

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How Tinubu Is Plotting to Trap Peter Obi, Atiku in 2027, Analysts Reveal

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Meanwhile, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje attended a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday.

This meeting is notable as it is the first major political gathering Ganduje has attended since stepping down as APC National Chairman in June 2025.

The closed-door meeting took place in Kano and included key party members such as Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senator Kawu Sumaila, and various members of the House of Representatives, along with several former and current political officeholders.

While details of the discussions were not disclosed, sources within the party indicated that the meeting was important for maintaining internal cohesion and preparing for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu has been told to prepare for a robust challenge from the opposition in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Primate Elijah Ayodele, frequently featured in the news, has consistently provided insights and guidance.

In his latest series of prophecies shared on his church’s YouTube page..…Click link to continue reading 

According to Ayodele, former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar would give Tinubu a tough time in 2027.

In the video, Ayodele said President Tinubu should prepare for former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The cleric, however, added that he was not sure if the two would defeat the president in the 2027 election.

The cleric also called on President Tinubu to carry out more projects in the northern part of the country, adding that dividing the leaders in the region would be an advantage for him in the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku has been leading the call on opposition leaders to come together under one umbrella and form a coalition against President Tinubu in the 2027 election. The coalition was recently formed with Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former Minister Chibuike Amaechi and many other opposition leaders in the country.

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The coalition recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform ahead of the 2027 election. However, it is facing the crisis of who will be its presidential candidate as Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi have announced plans to contest the 2027 election.

To outsmart spies in the camp, many supporters of the former president, especially those in his inner circle, have allegedly held several meetings outside the country with a focus on consolidating the former president’s support base within the PDP, as well as coming up with a strategy to handle what they referred to as ‘Nyesom Wike problem’.

The coinage was a reference to the conflict between the PDP and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Wike, in an interview, urged the former president not to join the 2027 race but to maintain his pace as a statesman. The minister also accused those calling for the return of the former president of being betrayers and hypocrites, saying the same people undermined him in the 2015 presidential election.

Jonathan’s camp was said to be worried about Wike’s comment, describing it as a threat to the former president’s second coming as a source disclosed that the minister’s opposition cannot be ignored, which was ‘why some of our meetings have been about how to ensure he does not become a stumbling block’.

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Paul Ibe, media aide to former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has raised the alarm, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has begun the move to rig the 2027 general elections.

According to Ibe, who spoke in a YouTube interview, the ruling party, knowing that it has nothing to show after more than two years, has opted for rigging as the only available option.

He alleged that President Bola Tinubu-led APC is working hard to “ensure that there is no opposition, whether it’s in the independent media, civil society or political parties, that is what they are doing”.

He further claimed that the battle against opposition figures is “because they (APC) have nothing to offer after two years retaining mandate”.

“The only way for them to win an election is to begin the process of rigging it and that process has already started”.

Ibe also lamented that the democracy, which he claimed “was purchased at a very high price”, has been replaced with dictatorship under the current administration.

“The democracy that we have been practicing since 1999, was purchased at a very high price. A lot of activists were killed in that process.

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“I believe that those who sacrificed their lives for what we are enjoying today, they will be sad in their graveyards seeing what is playing out now.

“What is playing out is dictatorship and that is why people like Sowore are being harassed and intimidated”, he said.

As the political permutation in Nigeria grows more dynamic, critical allegations have arisen regarding the appointment of a new Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in advance of the 2027 elections.

President Bola Tinubu has decisively instructed the current INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to begin terminal leave prior to the completion of his term. Click link to continue reading

Professor Yakubu is poised to conclude his two-term tenure, which spans a full decade, in the first week of December 2025. He was appointed as the Chairman of INEC in 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Amid the debate about Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s replacement, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has warned that an alleged move by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to appoint a controversial retired judge as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could plunged the nation into crisis.

Galadima alleged that Tinubu’s government was considering installing a retired Court of Appeal judge with a questionable reputation to head the electoral body.

Speaking in an interview on the Prime Time programme on ARISE News TV, on Monday, September 15, Galadima said: “Come November, there are rumours all over the place that this government is nominating a just retired court of appeals judge who is known for notoriety to be the chairman of INEC. I wish it is not true.

“Because if that man becomes the chairman of INEC, be rest assured that this government is inviting a civil war in this country,” he said.

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Speaking further, the NNPP stalwart accused Tinubu’s administration of having no regard for the rule of law. “And we cannot be in a country where the government does not respect the law,” he added.

In a twist, Galadima, also criticised Professor Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC. He alleged that the electoral body has already been compromised in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Galadima, INEC cannot dictate certain electioneering procedures to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly early campaign.

“The INEC chairman has already rigged the election for APC. “INEC has an inability to call political players to order.

“I painfully realised they are not in a position to call them to order because those who pay the piper dictate the tune, ” Galadima added.

Galadima, therefore, argued that such developments pose a direct threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system and warned of dire consequences if the alleged plan goes forward.

“We cannot allow somebody that has a record of notoriety to be imposed on us as INEC chairman,” he declared.

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There has recently been a constructive dialogue among members of prominent Nigerian churches concerning the future leadership of their congregations. This discussion focuses on crucial succession planning for their General Overseers.

A central figure in these conversations is Bishop David Oyedepo, the leader of the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel. Church members are actively engaging in exploring ways to ensure a smooth transition in leadership and uphold their values as they navigate this important phase in their faith communities....Click link to continue reading.

In a video that has been circulating widely on social media, Bishop Oyedepo passionately emphasized the importance of church members familiarizing themselves with the origins and foundational principles of their ministry.

He conveyed a vital message to his followers: that understanding the roots of the church is essential for reinforcing their commitment and support.

According to Bishop Oyedepo, the ministry was divinely entrusted to him by God and is not meant to be passed on to others.

He asserted that he received a clear mandate directly from the Almighty, making it clear that every direction the ministry takes is based on inspired messages he has received.

His words:

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“God spoke to me in person. Everything till date, God spoke to me. Nobody met me here, I mean I didn’t meet anybody here. The things I say to you are the truth and nothing but the truth. And they are written down not today. Nothing here came through a group discussion. This ministry has no co-founder o!” Bishop Oyedepo said the first person to hear about the ministry’s mandate was his wife.

The video was posted on X by @AsakyGRN.

Reactions to Bishop Oyedepo’s sermon

@Ihunanya_chi said: “If you die in sin, there is no second chance, no opportunity for repentance, and no forgiveness, your judgment is final. But while you are still alive, you have the chance to turn to God. His grace is more than enough to cover your sins if you repent today.

@bobotically said:

“Same church that had made it difficult for even its own members to attend their university due to high increase in school fees? In the end religion is just the opium of the masses.”

@Royal_Citizens said:

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“God didn’t tell you to buy an aircraft, if you felt it was needed so be it. Saying God told you when He didn’t is something else entirely.”

@lebastin said:

“Even the donkey Jesus Christ rode on was not his own, so God no fit tell him own begotten son to buy donkey, but he told you to buy an aircraft in the midst of poverty, na wa o, all dis god of men no wan gree o.”

@realomoyelefemi said:

“My question is this, Do you still have the Executive Council today that oversees you?”

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