Full List of INEC Chairmen in Nigeria From 1998 Till Date
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is Nigeria’s electoral body responsible for conducting credible, free, and fair elections. Since its official establishment in 1998 under the administration of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, INEC has played a central role in shaping the country’s democracy.
The chairman of INEC is the head of the commission and oversees the entire electoral process . From voter registration to the declaration of results. Over the years, the commission has been led by different chairmen whose decisions, reforms, and challenges have significantly impacted Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Over the years, different chairmen have overseen the commission, each leaving their mark on the country’s political history. Below is a comprehensive list of INEC chairmen from 1998 to date, including their tenures and notable achievements.
List of INEC Chairmen in Nigeria (1998 – Present)
| S/N | Name of INEC Chairman | Tenure | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephraim Akpata | 1998 – 2000 | Conducted transitional elections of 1999, ushering in the Fourth Republic |
| 2 | Dr. Abel Guobadia | 2000 – 2005 | Introduced electronic voting machines, supervised 2003 general elections |
| 3 | Prof. Maurice Iwu | 2005 – 2010 | Oversaw controversial 2007 elections, barred foreign monitors |
| 4 | Prof. Attahiru Jega | 2010 – 2015 | Credited with biometric voter registration, card readers, 2011 & 2015 credible polls |
| 5 | Amina Zakari (Acting) | 2015 | Briefly led after Jega’s exit until a substantive chairman was appointed |
| 6 | Prof. Mahmood Yakubu | 2015 – 2021 | Oversaw 2019 general elections, strengthened INEC’s independence |
| 7 | Prof. Mahmood Yakubu | 2021 – Present | Reappointed for second term, supervised 2023 elections |
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INEC chairmen Nigeria 1998 to date
Ephraim Akpata (1998 – 2000)
Akpata was INEC’s first chairman following its establishment in 1998. He supervised the landmark 1999 elections that brought Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to power, marking Nigeria’s return to democratic governance after years of military rule.
Dr. Abel Guobadia (2000 – 2005)
Appointed by President Obasanjo, Guobadia presided over the controversial 2003 elections. Despite criticisms, his tenure saw improvements such as the establishment of polling units nationwide and the early introduction of electronic voting systems.
Prof. Maurice Iwu (2005 – 2010)
Iwu’s tenure was marred by controversies, especially the 2007 elections widely condemned for irregularities. He barred foreign monitors, limiting participation to observers. The 2007 election produced the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who later admitted flaws in the process.
Prof. Attahiru Jega (2010 – 2015)
Jega is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected INEC chairmen. He introduced biometric voter registration and the use of smart card readers, which improved transparency. Under him, the 2011 and 2015 elections were considered among Nigeria’s freest and fairest.
Amina Zakari (Acting, 2015)
Zakari briefly acted as chairman after Jega’s tenure ended. She had previously served as INEC commissioner in charge of health and welfare.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (2015 – Present)
First appointed in 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed in 2021, Yakubu oversaw the 2019 and 2023 general elections. His leadership has focused on deepening INEC’s independence, improving technology adoption, and strengthening voter confidence, despite persistent challenges.
Conclusion
The history of INEC chairmen reflects Nigeria’s evolving democratic process. From Akpata’s transitional elections to Jega’s reforms and Yakubu’s ongoing tenure, each chairman has left a mark on the commission’s legacy. While challenges such as electoral malpractice, logistics, and political pressure persist, INEC remains central to Nigeria’s democratic survival.
As Prof. Mahmood Yakubu continues in office, expectations remain high for further reforms to guarantee greater transparency, credibility, and fairness in Nigeria’s future elections.
FAQs About INEC Chairmen in Nigeria
Who was the first INEC Chairman in Nigeria?
Ephraim Akpata (1998–2000).
Who is the current INEC Chairman?
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, reappointed in 2021.
Which INEC Chairman introduced biometric registration?
Prof. Attahiru Jega in the 2011 elections.
What is the role of the INEC Chairman?
The INEC Chairman oversees voter registration, election conduct, result collation, and declaration of winners.