Yakubu steps down as INEC chairman after 10 years; President Tinubu names May Agbamuche-Mbu acting chair pending Council of State’s decision on successor

Yakubu steps down as INEC chairman, ending a historic decade-long tenure marked by sweeping reforms, technological innovations, and contentious national elections.

Also read: INEC Chair: Will Politics Override Equity in 2027?

President Bola Tinubu formally accepted the resignation of Professor Mahmood Yakubu following the conclusion of his second and final term as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Tinubu conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in appreciation of his service.

Yakubu has now handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner at INEC, who assumes the role of acting chairman until a substantive successor is named after Thursday’s Council of State meeting in Abuja.

The president is expected to present a shortlist of nominees to the Council for advisory input before forwarding his final pick to the Senate for confirmation — a constitutional process that continues to draw public debate and legal scrutiny.

In a statement on Tuesday, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, thanked Yakubu for “sustaining democracy” and presiding over “free and fair elections” since 2015.

Yakubu was first appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and reappointed in 2020 — making him the first chairman in Nigeria’s democratic history to complete two full terms.

During his leadership, INEC introduced the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Results Viewing Portal (IReV), which sought to enhance transparency and voter trust.

Yakubu also expanded polling units nationwide, institutionalised continuous voter registration, strengthened inclusion for persons with disabilities, and oversaw the use of real-time data and predictive analytics to manage election-day logistics.

Despite these milestones, his tenure was not without controversy.

The 2023 general elections were marred by technical glitches, late arrival of materials, and allegations of partisan bias, which drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.

As Agbamuche-Mbu assumes office in an acting capacity, legal and constitutional experts are revisiting the framework surrounding the appointment of the INEC chairman.

Senior Advocates of Nigeria, including Ifedayo Adedipe and Adayemi Adedeji, have weighed in.

While both acknowledged the President’s constitutional authority to appoint a new chairman, they called for more transparent, credible, and consultative processes to ensure the integrity of future elections.

Adedipe dismissed public concern over who appoints the INEC chair, arguing that the real issues lie in political culture, electoral behaviour, and voter inducement.

“We should focus on electoral reforms, not personalities. Did Jonathan not appoint Jega? Yet Jonathan lost. The focus should be on how we vote, not who heads INEC,” he said.

Adedeji noted that while the Senate confirmation process provides some measure of accountability, it may not fully insulate the system from executive overreach.

He proposed broader consultations, perhaps via an independent vetting committee, to restore public confidence.

Another legal expert, Wale Balogun, advocated for deeper reforms that strengthen institutional independence, warning that the current framework might be too weak to prevent political interference.

At a handover ceremony held at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Professor Yakubu cited Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution as the basis for his early departure, stressing the need for a seamless transition ahead of several key elections, including the Anambra governorship poll and the 2027 general elections.

He handed over to Agbamuche-Mbu with a formal letter and two key publications documenting his administration’s work:
“Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025” and “Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Yakubu said, “I will forever cherish the support of our staff, civil society, stakeholders, development partners, and most especially Nigerians, whose feedback helped us grow.”

He praised the contributions of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, calling them the most “patriotic and knowledgeable election officials” he worked with.

Agbamuche-Mbu, a seasoned legal practitioner, was appointed INEC National Commissioner in 2016.

She holds a Law degree from the University of Ife, and postgraduate qualifications from top institutions in the UK, including Queen Mary University of London.

Before joining INEC, she ran a successful legal practice in Lagos and served as Editor of the THISDAY LAWYER column.

She also played advisory roles in multiple federal committees on legal and economic reform.

Agbamuche-Mbu now assumes Nigeria’s top electoral role at a critical juncture — as calls grow louder for electoral reform, transparency, and strengthened institutional credibility.

In a related development, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to pursue key electoral and constitutional reforms ahead of the 2027 elections.

He identified electronic transmission of results, party primaries reform, and the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission as top priorities.

Abbas also stressed the need for state policing, judicial reform, and stronger gender inclusion through the proposed Reserved Seats Bill for Women.

“In these trying times, the Nigerian people look to us for more. We must respond with thoughtful laws and bold reforms,” he said.

Also read: INEC Chair: Will Politics Override Equity in 2027?

As Yakubu bows out, the spotlight now turns to President Tinubu and his next move in appointing a new INEC chair — one that will help define the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

mahmood Yakubu

mahmood Yakubu

Bola Tinubu