Falana: Tinubu lacks power to send INEC Chairman on leave; Yakubu's tenure in question.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN stated that President Bola Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to place INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu on terminal leave. Yakubu, appointed by former President Buhari in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, is set to complete his tenure in October 2025.

Falana's statement came after unverified reports claimed Tinubu ordered Yakubu to proceed on compulsory leave. The speculation arose amid rumors of Yakubu's alleged betrayal of the ruling APC ahead of the 2023 elections.

Despite these claims, Yakubu chaired an INEC management meeting where promotions and staff development were approved, indicating the commission's continued operations.