A National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), May Agbamuche-Mbu, has officially assumed office as the Acting Chairman of the Commission following the handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on terminal leave.
The transition was announced on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
In his remarks, Yakubu explained that his decision to step down 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.
He added that, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman, Agbamuche-Mbu, being one of the most senior national commissioners by date of appointment, would serve in an acting capacity.
“I hope that this will afford the appointing authorities adequate time to appoint a new chairman and enable the new leadership to quickly settle down to the task of conducting elections and managing electoral activities in Africa’s most demographically and logistically complex environment,” he stated.
Reflecting on his tenure, Yakubu expressed appreciation to colleagues, stakeholders, civil society groups, development partners, and Nigerians for their support throughout his leadership.
He also commended members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing them as “among the most educated, patriotic, and knowledgeable election officials” he had worked with.
“Above all, I thank Nigerians for their comments and criticisms, which encouraged rather than discouraged us to persevere,” he said.
As part of his farewell, Yakubu unveiled two publications documenting INEC’s work under his leadership: Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.
Also read: See List Of Ministers Involved In Certificate, NYSC Controversy
