Multiple insider sources disclosed that the move is a direct response to what they described as Mahmood’s “last-minute betrayal” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government, which brought him into office.
Uzodimma’s Allegations Spark Tinubu’s Decision
According to sources familiar with the matter, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma met with President Tinubu shortly after his return from a 12-day working trip, raising concerns about Mahmood’s recent actions at the commission.
Uzodimma reportedly accused the INEC boss of trying to register new political parties just months before the end of his tenure — a move he claimed had disrupted the APC’s strategic plans for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. The governor also alleged that Mahmood was covertly supporting a candidate in the forthcoming Imo State governorship election.
Following this briefing, President Tinubu is said to have requested that Mahmood suspend all official duties and immediately embark on terminal leave.
Disruptions at INEC
The decision has thrown INEC’s schedule into disarray, forcing the abrupt cancellation of Mahmood’s final quarterly consultative meeting with political parties and a planned engagement with civil society organisations.
The president is now expected to forward the name of a new INEC chairman to the National Assembly for confirmation in the coming days.
Mahmood, appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2015, succeeded acting chairperson Amina Zakari. His tenure has been marked by both reforms and controversies, particularly around party registration and election logistics.
Power Struggle Over INEC Leadership
Meanwhile, political intrigue continues to swirl around the process of appointing Mahmood’s successor. In March, SaharaReporters revealed that a powerful politician from Oghara, Delta State, was lobbying for the appointment of a “compromised” candidate to control the 2027 general elections.
Former Delta State Governor James Ibori — who served a jail term in the United Kingdom for corruption — was named as a central figure in the alleged plot. Sources claimed Ibori is attempting to position his ally and kinsman, Moses Ogbe, as the next INEC chairman to consolidate political influence.
Ibori’s political reach remains significant. His network reportedly influenced the appointment of his in-law, Chinedu Ebie, as chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, and his daughter, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, as chairperson of the House Committee on NDDC.
Controversial Candidate Under Scrutiny
Moses Ogbe, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) during Prof. Maurice Iwu’s tenure, is facing increased scrutiny over his record. Investigations by SaharaReporters linked Ogbe to extensive electoral malpractice, including collaboration with Iwu during the widely discredited 2007 general elections — an exercise so flawed that then-President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua admitted its failures and initiated reforms.
Ogbe’s tenure as REC in Lagos during the 2003 elections also allegedly witnessed widespread irregularities under then-Governor Bola Tinubu.
Familiar Faces in Tinubu’s Inner Circle
Tinubu’s political strategy has often involved surrounding himself with trusted associates. For example, current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, served as Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer in 1999 when he was Governor of Lagos State.
Earlier this month, INEC formally recognised former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola named National Secretary. This decision resolved a prolonged leadership crisis within the party.
The commission also confirmed Dr. Mani Ibrahim as National Treasurer, while Akibu Dalhatu and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor were appointed as National Financial Secretary and National Legal Adviser, respectively.
