Yakubu steps aside as INEC Chair, Agbamuche-Mbu takes over

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday, announced that he has stepped aside after ten years of service, handing over to National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

Yakubu made the announcement during the third regular quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

He said his decision was in line with the provisions of Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), explaining that it would afford the appointing authorities adequate time to name a new chairman and enable a smooth transition ahead of forthcoming elections.

“Having been privileged to serve the Commission for ten years with only a few more weeks to go, I have taken a decision and conveyed same as provided by law. In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior National Commissioners by date of appointment,” Yakubu said.

The outgoing INEC boss also reflected on his tenure, noting that the Commission recorded significant milestones in election management, technology adoption, and stakeholder engagement. He highlighted key innovations such as the consolidation of the biometric voters’ register, digital platforms for candidate nomination, and enhanced result management systems.

Yakubu further disclosed that preparations were ongoing for several upcoming elections — including the Anambra Governorship election next month, the FCT Area Council polls in February 2026, and governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States in June and August 2026 respectively. He added that groundwork had also begun for the 2027 general election while awaiting the passage of a new Electoral Act.

Expressing appreciation to the Commission’s staff, National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, security agencies, political parties, the National Assembly, and development partners, Yakubu described his decade-long service as a period of growth and innovation for Nigeria’s electoral system.

At the event, he also unveiled two publications — Election Management in Nigeria, 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology, 2015–2025 — which document INEC’s achievements under his leadership.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest that President Bola Tinubu is considering the nomination of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) to succeed Yakubu as substantive chairman. It is expected that the matter will feature at the Council of State meeting scheduled for Thursday, where discussions on both the INEC chairmanship and a new Inspector-General of Police are anticipated.