Prof Mahmood Yakubu


NATIONAL Chairman of the Independent National  Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Sunday dismissed insinuations that he may  join the 2023 presidential election,  saying he would never do so.

Yakubu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr.  Rotimi Oyekanmi,  said he is committed to ensuring free and fair polls, next year, and nothing more.

The statement read:

“Our attention has been drawn to innuendoes in certain quarters that Nigerians should not be surprised if the INEC Chairman joins the Presidential race or urging him to do so

“It is a preposterous proposition. It will not happen.

“The Chairman remains an umpire committed to free, fair and credible elections.

“His constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election are onerous enough for him to even contemplate straying into extraneous matters at variance with the law, morality and his personal principles. 

“The Chairman will continue to discharge his responsibilities without affection for, or ill will against, any political party or candidate.”