NIGERIA: Agbamuche-Mbu Takes Over From Yakubu As Acting INEC Chair

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

After ten years at the helm of Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday, officially bowed out of office, marking the end of a decade defined by sweeping electoral reforms and digital innovations.

Yakubu, who assumed office in 2015, announced his resignation during INEC’s quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, describing the gathering as his “last as chairman.”

He cited Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for his resignation, saying the move was necessary to ensure a seamless transition as the Commission braces for a busy electoral season.

Following a consensus by INEC’s National Commissioners, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, was named Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive head by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In an emotional farewell speech, Professor Yakubu reflected on his decade-long stewardship, highlighting INEC’s digital transformation journey — from biometric voter registration and electronic result transmission to online nomination and monitoring systems for political parties.

“Together, we built a foundation for credible elections in Africa’s largest democracy,” Yakubu said, acknowledging the collective contributions of political parties, the National Peace Committee, civil society groups, security agencies, the media, and corps members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whom he described as “the most patriotic election officials.”

He also unveiled two new publications documenting his tenure: “Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025” and “Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.” Both books, now available on INEC’s website, chronicle the Commission’s evolution and reform milestones under his leadership.

Yakubu exits as INEC prepares for several crucial polls — including the Anambra governorship election next month, the FCT Area Council elections in February 2026, and the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls later that year.

He revealed that groundwork for the 2027 general elections had already commenced.

The outgoing chairman capped off the event with a farewell photograph alongside National Commissioners and RECs before officially handing over to Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu.

His departure, according to observers, marks the close of a transformative chapter in Nigeria’s electoral history — one defined by innovation, transparency, and resilience in the face of daunting challenges.