INEC Begins New Chapter as Yakubu Bows Out, Agbamuche-Mbu Takes Over in Acting Capacity

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday witnessed a seamless and historic transition of leadership as Professor Mahmood Yakubu formally concluded his decade-long tenure as Chairman, handing over the reins to National Commissioner, Barrister Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who assumes office as Acting Chairman.

The official handover took place during the Commission’s third regular quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja. Prof. Yakubu announced that he had proceeded on pre-retirement leave, in accordance with Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), to ensure a smooth leadership transition ahead of the appointment of a new substantive chairman.

“Having been privileged to serve the Commission for 10 years, with only a few weeks left, I have decided to commence my pre-retirement leave as provided by the Constitution,” he said, explaining that the early transition would give room for continuity and stability within the Commission.

Following consultations with other National Commissioners, Yakubu confirmed that Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu would assume leadership in an acting capacity. He expressed full confidence in her competence, describing her as a “dedicated professional who will sustain the momentum and ensure the Commission continues to deliver credible elections in Nigeria’s dynamic political environment.”

Prof. Yakubu’s stewardship, which began in 2015, marked a transformative decade for Nigeria’s electoral system. Under his leadership, INEC deepened institutional reforms, introduced technological innovations, and enhanced transparency in the electoral process. These include the establishment of a consolidated biometric register of voters and the digitalisation of candidate nominations, observer accreditation, and results management.

As part of his parting legacy, Yakubu unveiled two major publications — Election Management in Nigeria: 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology: 2015–2025 — which chronicle the Commission’s reform journey over the past decade. Both works are now available on INEC’s official website.

He also outlined key priorities for the Commission’s next phase, including the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), where 6.8 million Nigerians have initiated online pre-registration and 1.2 million have completed in-person registration. Other immediate tasks include cleaning the voters’ register, reviewing polling unit locations, and preparing for upcoming off-cycle elections in Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, and the Federal Capital Territory.

In her acceptance remarks, the new Acting Chairman, Barrister Agbamuche-Mbu, expressed deep gratitude for the trust reposed in her and pledged to uphold the values and standards established by her predecessor.

“We assure you that the Commission will maintain the high standards you have set. We will continue from where you stopped,” she said, vowing to “uphold the integrity of INEC and work with professionalism, dedication, and unity.”

The emotional moment of the day came from INEC’s Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, who, visibly moved, described Yakubu’s leadership as inspirational. “I stand before you today filled with emotion… I want to say thank you to the Chairman for what he has done,” she said, fighting back tears.

Tributes also poured in from other officials, including Prof. Sam Egwu, a Resident Electoral Commissioner, who hailed Yakubu as “one of Nigeria’s most brilliant minds,” lauding his unparalleled understanding of the nation’s electoral system.

In his farewell, Prof. Yakubu thanked INEC staff, security agencies, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), development partners, and the Nigerian public for their cooperation, constructive criticism, and support throughout his tenure.

“I thank Nigerians for their comments and criticisms, which encouraged rather than discouraged us to persevere,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of official handover documents and a group photograph, symbolising the end of a remarkable era and the dawn of a new chapter in Nigeria’s electoral administration under Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu’s interim leadership.