Sambo Urges Presidency to Take Time Before Appointing New INEC Chairman

The Director of News at Arise News, Sumner Sambo, has advised the presidency to exercise caution in appointing a new chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Sambo spoke on Tuesday during an appearance on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, just a day after Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stepped down as INEC chairman and handed over to May Agbamuche in an acting capacity.

According to Sambo, the transitions of Yakubu and his predecessor, Prof. Attahiru Jega, should provide an opportunity for reflection on the next leadership of the electoral body.

“The presidency should not be too hasty in deciding who to appoint as INEC chairman. Institutional reforms must be prioritised before any selection is made,” Sambo said.

He also dismissed claims that the president requested Yakubu’s resignation, stressing that the office does not have the authority to demand such a step.