The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to make public the details of the process for appointing a successor to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu.

Yakubu, who has been at the helm of the commission since 2015, will complete his second and final five-year term in November 2025.

Naijaonpoint reports that Yakubu’s replacement is expected to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

In a letter dated September 27, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the president to ensure transparency in the selection process.

The group demanded disclosure of the number and names of shortlisted candidates, as well as confirmation of whether the constitutionally required consultation with the Council of State had been undertaken or would be conducted.

SERAP also advised Tinubu to use the opportunity to review his appointment of at least three alleged members of the All Progressives Congress as Resident Electoral Commissioners, urging him to replace them with non-partisan nominees.

“The selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement cannot and should not be a closed shop. A transparent and accountable process would serve legitimate public interests,” the organisation said.

Citing Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), SERAP noted that the INEC chairman “shall be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate,” with mandatory consultation with the Council of State.

The group argued that openness in the process would enhance the credibility of the electoral body and strengthen citizens’ trust in its independence.

“Secrecy in the selection and appointment process would be inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. It would undermine the independence, autonomy, and accountability of INEC and the right of Nigerians to a free and fair election,” SERAP warned.

The organisation stressed that the next INEC chairman must be non-partisan, impartial, and able to enforce the Electoral Act without fear or favour.

It gave the government seven days to comply with its request or face legal action “in the public interest.”

Yakubu, who first assumed office in 2015, presided over the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

His tenure has attracted mixed reviews, with many Nigerians lauding improvements in logistics while others criticised shortcomings in the deployment of technology and result transmission.

Yakubu’s imminent exit places renewed focus on the transparency of the appointment process ahead of the 2027 general elections, which could determine the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.