May Agbamuche-Mbu takes over as Acting INEC Chairman after Professor Mahmood Yakubu steps down, pledging continuity and readiness for upcoming elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has entered a new leadership phase as National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu assumes office as Acting Chairman following the handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who proceeds on terminal leave after nearly ten years in office.
The transition was formalized on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Announcing his decision, Yakubu said the move complies with Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides for a handover before the expiration of tenure.
“Having had the honour of serving the Commission for the past 10 years, with only a few weeks remaining in my tenure, I have made the decision to step down,” he said. “In consultation with other National Commissioners, May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.”
Yakubu explained that the transition would allow the Federal Government adequate time to appoint a new Chairman while ensuring continuity in electoral preparations.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing INEC boss highlighted key milestones achieved during his leadership, including major technological innovations and voter register consolidation.
“Over the years, we achieved a lot in responding to challenges and introducing many innovations,” he said. “We consolidated the biometric register of voters, replaced manual processes with digital applications, and enhanced transparency in election management.”
National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu receiving handover from outgoing INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
He acknowledged the contributions of staff, development partners, civil society groups, and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whom he described as “among the most patriotic and knowledgeable election officials.”
“Above all, I thank Nigerians for their comments and criticisms, which encouraged us to persevere,” Yakubu said.
Yakubu also unveiled two publications chronicling the Commission’s progress under his tenure: Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.
Before his exit, Yakubu outlined INEC’s preparation timeline for upcoming elections, including the Anambra governorship election (2026), FCT Area Council polls (February 2026), Ekiti governorship (June 2026), and Osun governorship (August 2026).
He confirmed that preparations for the 2027 general elections have already begun, with attention on cleaning up the voter register, reviewing polling unit locations, and improving party primary management.
Yakubu, who first assumed office on November 9, 2015, after being appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was reappointed in 2020—making him the first INEC chairman in Nigeria’s history to serve two consecutive terms.
“It is now my pleasure to sign my official handover notes and present the same to Agbamuche-Mbu. And from that point, I will take my exit,” he concluded.
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