The National Electoral Commission (INEC), chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu has formally handed leadership to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will now assume the role of Acting National Chairman. This transition was announced during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Yakubu, whose term as INEC Chairman is scheduled to conclude on November 9, 2025, has embarked on his pre-exit leave, thereby facilitating this interim transition. Appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Yakubu has overseen the commission through multiple electoral cycles, thus managing Nigeria's electoral processes for nearly a decade.
May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, was appointed to this acting position due to her extensive experience and seniority within the commission. Originally from Delta State but born in Kano, Agbamuche-Mbu is a distinguished legal practitioner with over 30 years of professional experience. She possesses an LLB from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, London, along with additional postgraduate degrees in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
Her professional portfolio includes prominent positions such as managing partner at Norfolk Partners, editor of THISDAY LAWYER, and participation in significant government committees, including the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee and the Ministerial Committee for the Solid Minerals Sector.
During the handover ceremony, Yakubu requested the support of commissioners and directors for Agbamuche-Mbu, emphasizing the necessity for unity until a permanent chairman is appointed by President Bola Tinubu and confirmed by the National Assembly. This transition follows weeks of speculation regarding Yakubu's departure and aims to ensure continuity in INEC's operations in anticipation of forthcoming electoral activities.
The leadership change is expected to uphold stability within the electoral body, given Agbamuche-Mbu's legal expertise and public service background, which positions her well to effectively manage interim responsibilities. Further announcements regarding the appointment of a permanent successor are anticipated in the coming weeks, as Nigeria prepares for future electoral events.
This development signifies a pivotal moment for INEC, underscoring the critical role of experienced leadership in safeguarding democratic processes in Africa's most populous nation. Additional updates will be provided as the situation continues to evolve.
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