In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Bashiru Olamilekan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), replacing Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The appointment comes as Yakubu’s tenure as INEC Chairman came to an end after overseeing two general elections in 2019 and 2023.
Professor Olamilekan, a seasoned academic and constitutional law expert, has expressed commitment to upholding the independence of INEC and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The appointment has sparked varied reactions, with some welcoming it as a bold step towards reform, while others raise questions about timing and political motivations.
Pro-democracy advocates have welcomed the decision, describing it as a long-overdue shake-up necessary for credible
With local government elections on the horizon and preparations for future national elections underway, all eyes will be on Professor Olamilekan to demonstrate independence, competence, and a clear reform agenda.
