INEC Chairman Chairs Meeting, Approves Promotion of Staff Amid Leave Report

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Thursday chaired the Commission’s regular weekly meeting, where he approved the promotion of 471 junior staff.

This comes amid widespread social media reports claiming that the INEC boss had proceeded on terminal leave ahead of the end of his tenure in December.

In a statement issued after the meeting, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the session also reviewed preparations for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election, and the conduct of party primaries for the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls.

Olumekun explained that a total of 515 staff were shortlisted for the promotion exercise, out of which 214 advanced to Grade Level 07, 134 to GL06, 106 to GL05, and 17 to GL04.

The promotion of junior staff, he noted, marked the conclusion of the first phase of the exercise, with the process for senior staff already underway.

“Staff promotion is a routine exercise. The Commission remains committed to regular merit-based promotion and the welfare of staff.

“We urge all staff to rededicate themselves to service, particularly with regard to elections and electoral activities,” the statement added.

Reports had circulated late Wednesday that President Bola Tinubu had directed Prof. Yakubu to proceed on terminal leave.

However, the Commission clarified that the INEC chairman, unlike some categories of chief executives, is not bound by civil service rules requiring a three-month pre-retirement leave.

Prof. Yakubu’s second five-year tenure as INEC chairman is due to end on December 8, 2025. His predecessor, Prof. Attahiru Jega, remained in office until his final day.