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Tinubu Accepts Mahmood Yakubu’s Exit, Names May Agbamuche-Mbu Acting INEC Chairman

Phinadon Mag

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President Bola Tinubu has accepted Mahmood Yakubu’s departure as INEC chairman after his second term expired, appointing May Agbamuche-Mbu as acting head and conferring a national honour on Yakubu.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the expiration of his second term in office.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, October 7, by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shortly after Yakubu handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner, who will now serve as acting chairman of the electoral body.

According to the presidency, President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Yakubu for his dedicated service and his role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the conduct of free and fair elections during his two-term tenure.

Tinubu Confers National Honour on Yakubu

In recognition of his contributions to the nation’s democratic process, President Tinubu conferred on Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Yakubu, who served as the 14th chairman of INEC, was first appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2015 for a five-year term and was reappointed in 2020 for a second term.

The presidency explained that Tinubu directed Yakubu to hand over leadership of the commission to Agbamuche-Mbu, who will oversee INEC’s operations until a substantive chairman is appointed.

Yakubu, in a letter dated October 3, 2025, had written to the president, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nigeria as INEC chairman from 2015 to 2025.

Debate Over Appointment of New INEC Chairman

Yakubu’s exit has reignited public debate over the process of appointing a new INEC chairman. Political observers argue that the appointment should not rest solely with the president, especially as Tinubu is expected to contest in the 2027 general election.

Omotayo Yusuf, a political analyst, described the concerns as valid, noting that the independence of the electoral body could be compromised if the appointment process remains under the exclusive control of the presidency.

Transition and Next Steps

With May Agbamuche-Mbu now at the helm in an acting capacity, attention has shifted to the selection process for Yakubu’s successor. The presidency has not yet announced a timeline for the appointment, but political stakeholders and civil society groups are expected to play a key role in advocating for transparency and neutrality in the process.

Yakubu’s decade-long tenure was marked by significant electoral reforms, including the introduction of technological innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which were designed to enhance transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s elections.

As the nation prepares for the next electoral cycle, the leadership transition at INEC is expected to shape the future of Nigeria’s democratic process and influence the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Entertainment

Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

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Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

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Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

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