Mahmood Yakubu has concluded his term as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), transferring the electoral body’s leadership mantle to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as the acting national chairman.
The formal transition occurred on Tuesday during a gathering of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, where Yakubu made the announcement.
Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu assumes the role by virtue of being the longest-serving national commissioner on the board, representing Delta state.
Her interim leadership will guide the commission until President Bola Tinubu names and appoints a permanent chairman.
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In his final remarks, Yakubu expressed his gratitude for the cooperation he received from commission members throughout his tenure, urging them to afford his successor the same level of support and dedication to professional duty.
A seasoned lawyer, Agbamuche-Mbu has been an INEC national commissioner since 2016, earning a reappointment in 2021 for a second term.
She has been pivotal in managing key aspects of the electoral process, including election monitoring, legal compliance, and engaging with various stakeholders.
Her temporary elevation aligns with established administrative protocol, which designates the most senior national commissioner to take charge during a leadership vacuum or transition.
Yakubu’s departure concludes his second term at the helm of INEC, a period that encompassed some of Nigeria’s most complex and scrutinised election cycles.
First appointed in 2015 and then renewed in 2020, he was responsible for conducting the 2019 and 2023 general elections as well as numerous gubernatorial and legislative elections held outside the standard cycle.
During his watch, INEC introduced major technological and procedural upgrades, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for authenticating voters and the INEC Result Viewing (iReV) portal, both designed to increase the transparency and accountability of election results.
The commission’s immediate focus remains on continuing preparations, including planning for the upcoming off-cycle election in Anambra State this year, alongside ongoing work to review and update electoral guidelines and logistical frameworks.
Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu is expected to manage these operations while in the acting capacity.
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This handover transpires amidst sustained calls for further electoral reforms and ongoing national discussions concerning potential constitutional amendments aimed at bolstering INEC’s independence and operational efficiency.
The change in administration, witnessed by INEC national commissioners, directors, and senior staff, signals the start of a new administrative chapter for the institution responsible for managing Nigeria’s elections.
