Meet Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu: New acting chairman of INEC
Professor Mahmood Yakubu has handed over to Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu as the Acting National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The development, which marks a major shake-up in Nigeria’s electoral leadership, was confirmed on Tuesday at the ongoing meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
Professor Yakubu’s two- term 10-year tenure is schedule to end in November as he has led the Commission since 2015.
He formally announced his exit on Tuesday and handed over to Agbamuche-Mbu, urging management staff and commissioners to extend their full support to her as she steers the affairs of the electoral body pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.
READ ALSO: Even if you appoint your son as INEC chairman, you’ll be defeated in 2027- Dalung
“I have today handed over to Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission until a substantive replacement is appointed,” Yakubu said.
“I appeal to all Commissioners, Directors, and staff of the Commission to give her the same cooperation and dedication you have shown me over the years.”
The transition comes amid ongoing preparations by INEC for several off-cycle governorship elections and anticipated reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu, a lawyer and seasoned administrator, is the oldest serving National Commissioner on the Commission, representing Delta State and the South-South geopolitical zone.
Her elevation to Acting Chair aligns with the Commission’s internal succession protocol, which designates the most senior National Commissioner to assume leadership in an acting capacity whenever the office of the Chairman becomes vacant.
A senior official at the Commission, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the move as “a seamless administrative transition consistent with constitutional provisions and the INEC Establishment Act.”
READ ALSO: Disclose appointment process of INEC chairman – SERAP tells Tinubu
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who succeeded Professor Attahiru Jega in 2015, served two consecutive terms as INEC Chairman, one of the longest tenures in the Commission’s history.
Under his leadership, INEC conducted the 2019 and 2023 general elections, as well as numerous by-elections and governorship polls.
His tenure was marked by significant electoral reforms, including the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, both aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to senior government officials, the President is expected to forward the name of a new substantive INEC Chairman to the National Assembly for confirmation “in the coming days.”
The shake-up follows recent consultations between the president and members of the Council of State, where the need for credible electoral reforms was reportedly discussed as part of the administration’s democratic renewal agenda.
Before her appointment as an INEC National Commissioner in 2016, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu served as Editor-in-Chief of The Trumpet Newspaper and held various leadership positions in civil society and legal advocacy circles.
A graduate of the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, Agbamuche-Mbu has been a consistent voice within INEC for inclusive governance, women’s participation in politics, and digital transformation of electoral processes.
Her appointment as Acting Chair makes her the first woman to lead INEC in any capacity since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
Following the announcement, staff and Resident Electoral Commissioners expressed mixed reactions, with many describing the handover as “expected” given the end of Yakubu’s tenure.
Some senior officials, however, noted that the leadership transition presents an opportunity for introspection, institutional strengthening, and the renewal of public trust in the electoral system.
“Professor Yakubu has done his part. It’s now time for a new chapter,” said one senior official.
“The Acting Chair brings a wealth of experience and stability to the Commission.”
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
