National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu has assumed the role of Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on terminal leave.
The transition took place on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at INEC headquarters in Abuja, ensuring a seamless change in leadership amid preparations for multiple upcoming elections.
“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 the decision to step down,” Yakubu said. “In consultation with other National Commissioners, May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.”
Yakubu highlighted that the handover follows Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), providing a clear framework for orderly succession in electoral management.
“This arrangement will allow appointing authorities sufficient time to name a new chairman while enabling the Acting Chairman to oversee preparations for elections in Africa’s most demographically and logistically complex environment,” he added.
May Agbamuche-Mbu receives handover from outgoing INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu at INEC headquarters in Abuja, signaling continuity in election management.
The outgoing INEC boss reflected on the achievements of his tenure, including the adoption of technology-driven innovations, consolidation of the biometric voter register, and digitization of many electoral processes.
“Over the years, we have responded to challenges, consolidated the voter register, replaced many manual processes with digital applications, and improved transparency in election management,” Yakubu said.
He praised INEC staff, development partners, civil society groups, and members of the National Youth Service Corps for their dedication and professionalism.
“Above all, I thank Nigerians for their comments and criticisms, which encouraged us to persevere,” Yakubu said, presenting two publications documenting the Commission’s work: Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.
Yakubu also outlined the Commission’s election calendar, citing the Anambra State governorship poll (2026), FCT Area Council elections (February 2026), Ekiti governorship (June 2026), and Osun governorship (August 2026) as immediate priorities. He confirmed that preparations for the 2027 general elections are already underway, including efforts to update the voter register, optimize polling unit locations, and strengthen party primary management.
“It is now my pleasure to sign my official handover notes and present the same to Agbamuche-Mbu. And from that point, I will take my exit,” Yakubu concluded.
The transition marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s electoral governance, emphasizing continuity, preparedness, and institutional resilience as the country gears up for a busy election cycle.
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