President Tinubu confers national honour on Yakubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the expiration of his second term in office.

In recognition of his service and contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development, President Tinubu conferred on Yakubu the National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Professor Yakubu, who first assumed office in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of INEC, served two consecutive five-year terms after being reappointed in 2020. Under his leadership, the commission oversaw several major elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections, as well as multiple off-cycle polls across the country.

President Tinubu thanked Professor Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy, “particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.”

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement said in recognition of Yakubu’s dedicated service to the nation, President Tinubu has bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger(CON).

Onanuga had also said that in the letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu had thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the nation as chairman of the commission since 2015.