May Agbamuche-Mbu Becomes Acting INEC Chairman as Mahmood Yakubu Steps Down
After ten years of leading Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially stepped down from his role as Chairman. He handed over the position to May Agbamuche-Mbu, one of the most senior National Commissioners, who will now serve as the acting National Chairman of the electoral body.
Yakubu made this announcement on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. He explained that his decision was guided by Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, adding that this transition would allow enough time for the authorities to appoint a new substantive chairman.
“I have been privileged to serve the Commission for ten years, and with only a few weeks left, I have decided to step down and hand over to one of the most senior National Commissioners,” Yakubu said during his handover address. He also appealed to other commissioners and directors to support Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu until a new chairman is appointed.
Professor Yakubu, who first became INEC Chairman in 2015 after being appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, made history as the first person to serve two full terms of five years each. During his tenure, he worked with 24 National Commissioners and 67 Resident Electoral Commissioners and introduced several reforms that shaped Nigeria’s electoral system.
What makes Mahmood Yakubu’s exit significant?
Yakubu’s leadership was marked by major technological changes in Nigeria’s elections, including the use of biometric voter registration, digital platforms for candidate nominations, observer accreditation, and election monitoring through the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC). His efforts were aimed at promoting transparency, credibility, and trust in the electoral process.
In recognition of his decade-long service, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accepted Yakubu’s resignation and awarded him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, thanked Yakubu for his dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through free and fair elections.
So, who is May Agbamuche-Mbu?
May Agbamuche-Mbu is a distinguished lawyer with over 30 years of legal experience. Born in Kano State but originally from Delta State, she graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984 with a law degree and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985. She also holds an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary University of London and is qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales.
Before joining INEC, she was the Managing Partner of her Lagos-based law firm, Norfolk Partners, and also served as the Editor of THISDAY LAWYER, where she published over 120 legal editorials under her column “Legal Eagle.” She has worked with several public and private organizations, including serving on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee and the Ministerial Committee on the Solid Minerals Sector.
With her vast experience and strong background in law and governance, many believe that May Agbamuche-Mbu is well-prepared to lead INEC during this transitional period. As acting chairman, she will oversee the commission’s operations until a new substantive chairman is appointed by President Tinubu.
