A National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), May Agbamuche-Mbu, has assumed office as the Acting Chairman of the Commission following the formal handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on terminal leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure.
The transition was formally announced during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held on Tuesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Professor Yakubu explained that his decision to step aside was in line with Section 306, Subsections 1 and 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“In recognition of the significant challenges ahead, and 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 a decision,” Yakubu said.
“In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior national 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 of the Commission.”
Yakubu noted that the handover would afford the appointing authorities sufficient time to name a substantive chairman while ensuring a smooth transition.
“It will also enable the new chairman to quickly settle down to the task of conducting elections and electoral activities in Africa’s most demographically and logistically complex environment,” he added.
Reflecting on his decade-long tenure, Yakubu expressed gratitude to the 24 National Commissioners, 67 Resident Electoral Commissioners, and thousands of INEC staff he had worked with since 2015.
“Those involved in elections or vastly knowledgeable about election management understand what the conduct of elections entails. I will forever cherish the support of successive secretaries and staff of the Commission nationwide,” he said.
He also acknowledged the roles played by civil society groups, development partners, and Nigerians at large, appreciating their constructive criticisms and engagement throughout his leadership.
“Above all, I thank Nigerians for their comments as well as criticisms, which encouraged rather than discouraged us to persevere,” he remarked.
He further hailed members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing them as “among the most educated, patriotic, and knowledgeable election officials I have worked with.”
As part of his farewell, the outgoing chairman presented two publications chronicling the Commission’s milestones during his administration — Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.
“All that remains at this point is for me to pray that God will continue to bless our country and our democracy,” Yakubu said as he handed over to Agbamuche-Mbu.
“It is now my pleasure to sign my official handing-over notes and present the same to Agbamuche-Mbu. And from that point, I will take my exit.”
Before his departure, Yakubu outlined INEC’s preparations for upcoming elections, including the Anambra State governorship election next month, the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections in February 2026, the Ekiti governorship election in June 2026, and the Osun governorship election in August 2026.
He confirmed that the Commission had already begun groundwork for the 2027 general elections, pending the passage of the new Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly.
“Beyond these reviews, the Commission needs to further clean up the voters’ register, review the locations of some polling units, and reallocate voters where necessary. The management of party primaries is another major area of activity,” Yakubu said.
He reflected on the challenges faced in managing elections in Nigeria, citing security threats, natural disasters such as floods, and the need to enhance frameworks for internally displaced persons (IDPs) voting.
“Over the years, we achieved a lot in responding to challenges and monitoring elections through many innovations. We have consolidated the biometric register of voters and replaced many of our manual processes with digital platforms and applications,” he said.
Under his leadership, INEC introduced several innovations — including systems for locating election facilities, conducting virtual training, managing political party finances, and monitoring elections through the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC).
“Indeed, we have made tremendous progress, but a lot more needs to be done,” Yakubu concluded.
Born in May 1962, Yakubu previously served as Executive Secretary of the Education Trust Fund (ETF) before his appointment as INEC Chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015. He assumed office on November 9, 2015, succeeding Professor Attahiru Jega.
In 2020, he was reappointed for a second five-year term, becoming the first INEC Chairman in Nigeria’s history to be reappointed for a consecutive term.
