Breaking: Yakubu Hands Over as May Agbamuche-Mbu Becomes Acting INEC Chairman
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially changed hands, as Professor Mahmood Yakubu on Tuesday handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who has been appointed Acting National Chairman of the commission.
OTN News further reports that Agbamuche-Mbu, the longest-serving National Commissioner at INEC, assumed her new role during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
OTN News observes that before her appointment, she chaired the Legal Services, Clearance, and Complaints Committee (LSCCC), a vital department responsible for ensuring legal compliance and supervising candidate screening processes.
Professor Yakubu, whose second and final five-year term ends in November 2025, said the handover aligns with constitutional provisions governing tenure limits for public officeholders.
He urged commissioners, directors, and staff members of the commission to extend full cooperation to Agbamuche-Mbu as she leads INEC pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.
In his farewell address, Yakubu expressed gratitude to INEC staff, Resident Electoral Commissioners, and other stakeholders for their professionalism, dedication, and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process during his tenure.
He described his time at the commission as “challenging but rewarding,” highlighting significant improvements in election transparency, technological integration, and voter participation.
He said, “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and the entire INEC family for their unwavering support. The progress we achieved was made possible through teamwork, resilience, and our shared belief in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy."
Appointed in November 2015 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, Yakubu made history in 2020 when he was reappointed for a second term, becoming the first INEC Chairman to serve two full terms.
His tenure oversaw two general elections—in 2019 and 2023—as well as several off-cycle and by-elections across the country.
Agbamuche-Mbu’s appointment comes at a critical time, as INEC intensifies preparations for off-cycle governorship elections and continuous voter registration exercises.
OTN News further observes that her extensive experience within the commission, especially in legal and administrative affairs, is expected to ensure stability and continuity during the transition period.
Under her leadership, INEC is expected to sustain its focus on post-election reforms, technological advancements, and deeper stakeholder engagement.
However, Yakubu’s departure marks the end of a decade-long leadership defined by significant electoral reforms and concerted efforts to build public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
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