President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday honoured the outgoing chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, with the national award of Commander Of The Order Of The Niger (CON) in recognition of his dedicated service to the country.

The announcement was made through a statement released on Tuesday by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga. In the statement, the president commended Professor Yakubu for his significant contributions to the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy during his time as the head of INEC.

“In recognition of Yakubu’s dedicated service to the nation, President Tinubu has bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON),” the statement said.

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The statement further noted, “President Tinubu thanked Professor Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.”

Professor Yakubu, who was first appointed as the 14th chairman of INEC in November 2015, had his tenure renewed in 2020. His term is scheduled to end this month.

On Tuesday, Yakubu stepped down from his role, handing over the leadership of the electoral body to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu.

Yakubu’s departure marks the end of a decade-long tenure at INEC, leaving a legacy of electoral reforms as May Agbamuche-Mbu steps in to lead the commission.