Professor Mahmood Yakubu has formally concluded his tenure as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), bringing an end to his second and final five-year term, which officially expires in November 2025.
Following his exit, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a veteran legal practitioner and INEC National Commissioner, has been appointed Acting Chairman. She also chairs the Commission’s Legal Services, Clearance & Complaints Committee (LSCCC) and will oversee INEC’s operations until a substantive chairman is confirmed.
Yakubu announced his decision during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Tuesday, marking the close of a decade-long leadership period that saw him steer Nigeria’s complex electoral process through challenging and politically charged environments.
Having completed his first term in November 2020, Yakubu was reappointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a second term. In his farewell address, he expressed gratitude to INEC staff and RECs for their dedication and professionalism, emphasizing the collective effort required to conduct credible elections in a country as diverse and populous as Nigeria.
Reflecting on his tenure, Yakubu described it as a period of “significant challenges and accomplishments,” noting the delicate balance of maintaining the Commission’s independence while ensuring transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
The appointment of Agbamuche-Mbu as Acting Chairman ensures continuity at the Commission as Nigeria approaches critical electoral cycles, including preparations for the 2027 general elections.