The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday witnessed a change in a grand manner as Professor Mahmood Yakubu brought an end to his decade-long tenure and handed over the leadership of the commission to National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, to run its affairs in acting capacity.
The confirmation was issued in a statement issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission and another released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The handover took place at the third normal quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja. In his valedictory address, Prof. Yakubu informed the assembly that he had embarked on his pre-retirement leave in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Having had the privilege to serve the Commission for 10 years, with only a few weeks left to serve, I have made up my mind and taken the same as authorized by Section 306, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Constitution,” he said. He added that pre-emptive handing over was intended to provide the appointing authorities with enough time to appoint a new substantive chairman.
Following advice from National Commissioners, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu was appointed to take over in acting capacity. Prof. Yakubu explained that he trusted her to take the reins, calling her competent enough to maneuver the sophisticated electoral terrain of Nigeria.
His remarks also reflected on the achievements of INEC during his leadership since 2015, mentioning some of the highlights such as the consolidation of a biometric voter roll and digitalisation of candidate nomination and result management. He also published two books — Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025 — which are available on the INEC website.
Speaking on the commission’s immediate agenda, Prof. Yakubu listed the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration that has captured 6.8 million Nigerians commencing the online registration and 1.2 million completing physical verification, the sanitizing of the voters’ register, and preparation for upcoming off-cycle elections in Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Prof. Yakubu thanked the INEC staff, security services, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), donor partners, and Nigerians in general. “I appreciate Nigerians for their comments as well as criticisms, which spur and not demoralize us to keep going,” he said. The event was rounded off with the signing of handover notes and a valedictory photograph.
In her response, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in her. “We assure that the commission will endeavor to sustain and sustain the high standards you have set. We will operate from where you stopped,” she assured. She pledged to “uphold the integrity of the commission and operate with extreme professionalism, commitment, and in harmony with colleagues and stakeholders.”.
There were strong emotions as the Commission Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, eulogized Prof. Yakubu. Fighting to maintain her composure, she declared, “I am here today and I feel in emotion. I would want to say thank you to the chairman for what he has done.”
Resident Electoral Commissioner Prof. Sam Egwu called Yakubu “one of the most brilliant Nigerians” and commended his wide knowledge of Nigeria’s electoral system and leadership in the past decade.
From the Presidential Villa, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally accepted Prof. Yakubu’s exit and commended his service to the nation. Through a statement by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President thanked Yakubu for his dedication to deepening democracy through credible elections.
In recognition of Yakubu’s unselfish service to the nation, President Tinubu has awarded him the rank of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON),” the statement read. The President specified that the most experienced National Commissioner, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, should take over at the commission until a new chairman is named.
A. October 3, 2025, letter from Prof. Yakubu to the President, appreciating the honor of serving as Chairman, INEC since 2015.
His departure brings an end to an important chapter of Nigeria’s electoral management and the beginning of another era. under acting leadership by Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu.
