The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Thursday presided over the Commission’s regular weekly meeting, during which the promotion of 471 junior staff was approved.
The development comes amid widespread social media speculation that Prof. Yakubu had been asked to proceed on terminal leave — a claim INEC firmly dismissed.
In a statement, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed that the meeting also reviewed preparations for several key polls, including the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship election, the FCT Area Council elections, and the conduct of party primaries ahead of the Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections.
According to Olumekun, 515 junior staff members were shortlisted for promotion by the Appointment, Promotion, and Disciplinary Committee (APDC). Of these, 214 were elevated to Grade Level (GL) 07, 134 to GL06, 106 to GL05, and 17 to GL04.
“The promotion of junior staff concludes the first phase of the exercise. Next is the promotion of senior staff, which has already commenced,” Olumekun said, adding that the Commission remains committed to merit-based staff welfare initiatives.
He urged INEC staff to rededicate themselves to service, especially with elections fast approaching, stressing that staff promotion is a routine exercise in line with the Commission’s conditions of service.
The clarification follows reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu had directed Prof. Yakubu to proceed on a three-month pre-retirement leave.
However, INEC noted that the Chairman is not subject to civil service terminal leave rules, unlike some categories of chief executives.
Prof. Yakubu’s second five-year tenure is set to expire on December 8, 2025. His predecessor, Prof. Attahiru Jega, similarly served until his final day in office.
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