As Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s second term winds down in October, attention has shifted to who might lead Nigeria’s electoral umpire (INEC) into the 2027 polls. 

Weekend reporting suggests President Bola Tinubu is keeping his shortlist close, balancing zone, experience, and credibility as required by law.

How the appointment works is that the President picks a nominee for INEC chair, the Senate must confirm the nominee and by law, the chair must be at least 50 years old and a person of “unquestionable integrity.”

The five names on the radar (as reported)

A recent roundup listed five prominent Nigerians in the conversation. Note that none is official; this is informed speculation from public reporting.

Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman

A serving Justice of the Court of Appeal. His judicial background could appeal to those who want a rules-first, process-driven leadership at INEC.

Prof. Lai Olurode

A retired UNILAG sociology professor and former INEC National Commissioner. He is widely known in academic and civic spaces and has previously worked inside the Commission, which means familiarity with its pressures and pace

Kenneth Ukeagu

A long-time INEC insider who previously served as Director of Procurement and later as a National Commissioner. Supporters say he knows the machine room of elections from materials to vendor oversight.

Sam Olumekun

Currently an INEC National Commissioner and Chair of Information & Voter Education. He already fronts many of INEC’s public updates, which could make for a steady transition at the top.

“Professor Bashiru Olamilekan” (debunked)

This name has trended before—but it is not real. Reuters traced the viral claim and found no such person linked to INEC; the Presidency also dismissed similar rumours earlier this year. Treat any “appointment” posts with caution. 

What’s driving the choice?

Law and credibility: Whoever emerges must clear the constitutional bar and the Senate. Public trust will hinge on perceived independence

Zoning debate: Some reports note the South-West and North-Central haven’t produced an electoral chief since the body’s early years, so geopolitics may feature in conversations, but merit remains the legal anchor.

Continuity vs. fresh start: With 2027 on the horizon, picking a seasoned election manager (e.g., a current/former commissioner) could reduce learning curves. Conversely, a respected judge or civil society figure could signal a reset.

What you should know

Yakubu first became chair in 2015 and was re-nominated for a fresh term in 2020. As that second term ends next month, the window for nomination and screening is now. Expect louder advocacy from parties, CSOs and regional blocs in the coming days.

These five names are not official picks; they reflect current chatter and reporting. The only definitive steps will be a formal presidential nomination and Senate screening. 

Until then, verify every “breaking” graphic or WhatsApp broadcast, especially those reviving the debunked “Bashiru Olamilekan” story.