BREAKING NEWS: Buhari Appoints Professor Of Political History, New INEC Chair

Mahmood-YakubuProfessor Mahmood Yakubu has been appointed as new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The appointment was confirmed at the emergency Council of State meeting held today, Wednesday, at the Presidential Villa and presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Yakubu, a Professor of Political History and International Studies, was Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

He is also an expert in guerrilla warfare, terrorism and counter-terrorism.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoko State, who briefed State House correspondents after the meeting, said the appointment of the new INEC boss was in line with relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State.

Tambuwal said the Acting chairman of the Commission, Amina Zakari, will now revert to her position as the INEC Commissioner representing the North-West.

The new positions and ratification by the council of state are as follows:

Professor Mahmood Yakubu (Bauchi) as chairman

The following were also appointed as INEC commissioners:

•Mrs Amina Zakari (Jigawa) – North-West

•Dr Antonla Taiye Okoosi (Kogi) – North-central

•Alhaji Baba Shettima Arfo (Borno) – North-east

•Dr Mohammed Mustafa (Edo) – South-south

•Mr Soyebi Adedeji Solomon (Ogun) – South-west

Meanwhile, the Council of State agreed that Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku, who is currently representing the South-east, should remain.