In a major administrative transition at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has formally handed over the leadership of the electoral body to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will now serve as the Acting National Chairman.
The handover, which took place at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, marks the end of Professor Yakubu’s tenure as the Commission’s chairman, after steering the nation’s electoral process through two general elections — in 2019 and 2023.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, the oldest serving National Commissioner at INEC, will oversee the Commission’s activities in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his farewell remarks, Professor Yakubu expressed gratitude to Nigerians, INEC staff, and development partners for their support during his tenure, noting that the Commission had recorded significant progress in electoral transparency, technology adoption, and institutional reforms.
He said, “Serving as the Chairman of INEC has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Together, we have strengthened the credibility of our elections and deepened democracy in Nigeria. I have every confidence that Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu will continue to uphold the integrity of the Commission and sustain the momentum of reform.”
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu commended Professor Yakubu for his leadership and pledged to continue building on the foundation laid by him.
She stated, “This transition is a testament to institutional continuity and stability within INEC. I assure Nigerians that under my watch, the Commission will continue to operate with transparency, impartiality, and commitment to credible elections.”
Agbamuche-Mbu, a legal practitioner and former editor, was appointed as a National Commissioner representing Delta State in 2016 and reappointed in 2021. Over the years, she has been involved in several electoral reform committees and has supervised elections across various states.
Political observers say her appointment comes at a crucial time as INEC prepares for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ondo, Edo, and other states, where her experience and institutional knowledge are expected to ensure a seamless process.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to nominate a substantive INEC Chairman in the coming weeks, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
