President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred one of Nigeria’s most prestigious national awards, the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), on the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu. This recognition comes shortly after Professor Yakubu officially concluded his tenure as INEC Chairman, a position he held with distinction, navigating some of Nigeria’s most pivotal electoral periods. The award was presented in acknowledgment of his contributions to the nation’s democratic development, particularly his commitment to ensuring electoral reforms and the strengthening of Nigeria’s voting process. Professor Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman since 2015, played a vital role in organizing multiple general elections across the country. His leadership saw the introduction of technological innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) — two tools that redefined election transparency in Nigeria’s democratic history. According to reports, the conferment of the CON award signifies President Tinubu’s recognition of Yakubu’s service to the nation, even amidst controversies and challenges surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process. The honour also reflects the administration’s continued effort to celebrate individuals who have contributed to the integrity and progress of national institutions. Political observers have described the gesture as both symbolic and strategic, emphasizing that it could foster continuity in strengthening the nation’s electoral system. Others noted that such honours encourage public office holders to serve with diligence and accountability. The award ceremony, which took place at the State House, Abuja, had in attendance top government officials, political dignitaries, and members of the National Assembly. It also marked a moment of reflection for Yakubu, who expressed gratitude for the recognition while reaffirming his belief in the future of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Tinubu’s administration continues to underscore the importance of honouring leaders who have served with dedication, and the recognition of Professor Yakubu stands as a reminder of the government’s commitment to democratic consolidation and institutional respect.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has once again assured Nigerians of the Commission’s unwavering dedication to enhancing voter experience, transparency, and efficiency in the electoral process. Speaking as INEC marked the 2025 Customer Service Week, Professor Yakubu emphasized that the Commission remains deeply committed to service excellence, transparency, and innovation in public service delivery. He stated that INEC’s operations are not only centered on conducting credible elections but also on providing a voter-friendly environment that upholds the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system. According to Yakubu, INEC continues to introduce modern innovations aimed at simplifying electoral procedures and improving communication between the Commission and the electorate. He stressed that citizens deserve excellent service and prompt feedback in all their interactions with the Commission — whether in voter registration, election monitoring, or complaint resolution. He further noted that Customer Service Week 2025 offers INEC an opportunity to appreciate both staff and stakeholders for their resilience and commitment to ensuring credible elections across the nation. He reiterated that INEC’s service delivery model prioritizes inclusiveness, accessibility, and fairness for all Nigerians. Professor Yakubu also pointed out that the Commission’s long-term goal is to make voter interactions seamless through continuous voter education, technological upgrades, and improved customer engagement channels. This, he said, would strengthen public trust and deepen Nigeria’s democracy. He assured citizens that the Commission remains proactive in addressing challenges such as voter registration delays, logistics management, and election-day feedback mechanisms. The Chairman reaffirmed INEC’s resolve to deploy every available innovation to improve transparency and efficiency during elections. Yakubu further encouraged Nigerians to actively engage with INEC through its official website, social media platforms, and public communication channels to stay informed about ongoing reforms and upcoming election activities. He highlighted that sustained communication and cooperation between the electorate and the Commission are crucial to achieving credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. The 2025 Customer Service Week celebration, themed “Empowering Customer Experience for Democratic Growth,” also recognized INEC staff members who have demonstrated exceptional service delivery. Professor Yakubu commended their professionalism, integrity, and hard work, adding that their dedication plays a vital role in strengthening the nation’s democratic values. The event concluded with a renewed call to action for INEC officials to remain committed to public service principles and uphold transparency, accountability, and efficiency in all areas of electoral operations. Yakubu expressed optimism that the Commission’s continued reforms will deliver a more responsive, inclusive, and technology-driven electoral process in Nigeria.
