Professor Mahmood Yakubu has formally stepped down as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), handing over leadership to National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as the Acting National Chairman.
The transition follows the expiration of Yakubu’s second five-year term, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accepting his departure and directing the handover to the most senior National Commissioner.
Professor Yakubu announced the change during a high-level meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
He solicited the full support of the commission’s staff for Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu until a substantive chairman is appointed.
A Tenure Concludes with National Honour
In a move that marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s electoral body, President Tinubu thanked Professor Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy through the organization of elections over his two-term tenure.
In recognition of his dedicated service, the President has bestowed upon Professor Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Yakubu was first appointed as INEC’s 14th Chairman in November 2015.
His tenure was renewed for a second and final term in 2020, which has now expired.
A Caretaker in Charge
Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the new Acting National Chairman, is the longest-serving National Commissioner on the commission.
Her appointment follows the established convention of handing over to the most senior commissioner during an interim period.
In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to have served the nation since 2015.
The process for the appointment of a new substantive INEC Chairman is now expected to commence.