A National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), May Agbamuche-Mbu, has officially assumed office as the Acting Chairman of the Commission following the commencement of terminal leave by Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The transition was formally announced during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners held on Tuesday at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Professor Yakubu, who has served as INEC Chairman since November 2015, stated that his decision to step aside was in line with Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He explained that he had, after consultations with other national commissioners, decided to hand over to one of the most senior commissioners by date of appointment. “Following consultation with other national commissioners, May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman,” he said.
Yakubu noted that he decided to allow the appointing authorities sufficient time to name a new chairman who would have an adequate opportunity to prepare for upcoming elections. He described Nigeria as “Africa’s most demographically and logistically complex environment,” adding that leadership continuity at INEC is crucial as the Commission prepares for a busy election cycle.
During his farewell remarks, Yakubu reflected on his ten-year tenure, describing it as a period of growth and innovation in Nigeria’s electoral process. He acknowledged the challenges faced in managing elections across the country, citing insecurity, natural disasters, and the logistics of conducting elections for internally displaced persons. He also highlighted the Commission’s transition from manual to digital processes, consolidation of the biometric register of voters, and adoption of technologies for election monitoring and political finance management.
Yakubu expressed deep appreciation to stakeholders, including civil society groups, development partners, political parties, and the media, for their cooperation throughout his leadership. He commended members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for their dedication, describing them as among “the most educated, patriotic, and knowledgeable election officials” he had ever worked with. He also thanked Nigerians for their feedback, both positive and critical, saying such engagement strengthened the Commission’s resolve to improve the electoral process.
Before his final exit, Yakubu presented two publications documenting INEC’s achievements during his tenure: Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025. He signed and handed over his official notes to Agbamuche-Mbu, praying that “God will continue to bless our country and our democracy.”
Yakubu also outlined INEC’s preparations for upcoming elections, including the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for next month, the FCT Area Council election in February 2026, the Ekiti governorship election in June 2026, and the Osun governorship election in August 2026. He confirmed that preparations have already begun for the 2027 general elections, pending the passage of a new Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly.
President Bola Tinubu has reportedly accepted Yakubu’s exit and approved that Agbamuche-Mbu should take charge in an acting capacity until a substantive replacement is appointed. The President also conferred on Yakubu a national honour, the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), in recognition of his decade-long service to Nigeria’s electoral process.
May Agbamuche-Mbu, the new Acting INEC Chair, hails from Delta State but was born in Kano. She holds a Law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985. She later qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales and earned an LL.M. in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London. Before joining INEC in 2016, she served as Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners in Lagos and has held several notable roles, including serving as Sole Solicitor to the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee between 2010 and 2011.
Known for her integrity and extensive experience in legal and administrative reform, Agbamuche-Mbu is expected to steer INEC through a crucial transition period as Nigeria prepares for multiple elections and electoral reforms. All eyes are now on her leadership as she assumes responsibility for sustaining the Commission’s credibility and implementing ongoing innovations in Nigeria’s electoral system.
