INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Resigns, Hands Over to May Agbamuche-Mbu from Delta State
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has officially resigned from his position after completing his constitutionally allowed two-term tenure. He has handed over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner from Delta State, who now takes over as the Acting Chairman of the Commission.
According to reports from multiple credible sources, including Daily Trust, PRNigeria, and The Gazette, the handover ceremony took place during a meeting of the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Yakubu Bows Out After 10 Years at the Helm
Prof. Yakubu, who hails from Bauchi State, was first appointed as INEC Chairman in 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed in 2020 for a second term. His tenure witnessed two general elections — in 2019 and 2023 — along with several off-cycle elections across the country.
In his parting remarks, Yakubu expressed gratitude to INEC staff and stakeholders for their support, urging them to extend the same cooperation to his successor.
“I have today handed over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu as Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. I urge everyone to give her the same level of cooperation you accorded me,” he reportedly said.
Who Is May Agbamuche-Mbu?
Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who now assumes office as Acting INEC Chair, is a lawyer and one of the longest-serving National Commissioners in the Commission.
She was born in Kano State but hails from Delta State, South-South Nigeria.
Agbamuche-Mbu previously served as the INEC National Commissioner representing Delta, Cross River, and Edo States.
Her appointment makes her the first woman to head INEC in an acting capacity since the return of democracy in 1999.
Why It Matters
Yakubu’s exit marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s electoral management. His leadership saw major reforms, including the introduction of the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) and electronic transmission of results, though his tenure was not without controversy, especially following the disputed 2023 general elections.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu’s elevation is expected to ensure continuity as the electoral body prepares for the 2027 general elections and other off-cycle polls.
What’s Next
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to nominate a substantive INEC Chairman soon, subject to Senate confirmation. Until then, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu will steer the affairs of the commission in an acting capacity.
