INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Steps Down, Hands Over to May Agbamuche-Mbu

The outgoing Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has explained that his decision to step down was to allow for a smooth transition and the appointment of a new chairman.

Yakubu formally handed over to National Commissioner Ms. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting Chairman, during a brief ceremony at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, held alongside the commission’s consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

He said his exit was guided by Section 36 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), noting that stepping aside before his tenure officially ends would help his successor “settle quickly into the task of conducting elections and managing electoral activities.”

“I have taken a decision and conveyed the same as provided by law,” Yakubu stated. “Following consultation with other national commissioners, Ms. May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.”

He added that his departure would give the appointing authorities sufficient time to name a new INEC chief and ensure continuity ahead of upcoming elections.

Yakubu, who served for 10 years, expressed gratitude to the commission, the National Assembly, civil society groups, and Nigerians for their support, saying he would forever cherish the collaboration that strengthened INEC’s operations.

“Together, we innovated and managed the commission’s enormous responsibilities, sometimes on the verge of breaking down,” he said.

The former chairman highlighted the introduction of several digital platforms that replaced manual processes, including systems for candidate nomination, accreditation of observers, and election result management.

He acknowledged that while progress had been made, more work remained to be done, especially in preparing for the 2026 off-cycle elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun, and the 2027 general elections.

Acting Chairman Agbamuche-Mbu praised Yakubu’s leadership, describing his tenure as one marked by innovation and dedication. “We acknowledge the significant contributions and achievements made by Yakubu during his tenure. We are confident that history will judge you very well,” she said.

She pledged to maintain the commission’s integrity and uphold the standards set under Yakubu’s leadership.

The event concluded with the presentation of two books — Election Management in Nigeria (2015–2025) and Electoral Technology (2015–2025) — documenting Yakubu’s decade-long tenure. He later signed and presented his official handover notes to Agbamuche-Mbu.

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