In a letter dated September 27, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the president to ensure transparency in the selection process. “The selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement cannot and should not be a closed shop. “Secrecy in the selection and appointment process would be inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. The organisation stressed that the next INEC chairman must be non-partisan, impartial, and able to enforce the Electoral Act without fear or favour. Yakubu’s imminent exit places renewed focus on the transparency of the appointment process ahead of the 2027 general elections, which could determine the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.