Professor Mahmood Yakubu has stepped down as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after completing a decade of service, handing over to National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, who now serves as the acting chairman of the commission.
The transition took place on Tuesday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Yakubu, who was appointed in November 2015 and reappointed in 2020, became the first INEC chairman in Nigeria’s history to serve two consecutive terms.
His decision to step down followed weeks of speculation over leadership changes at the commission. The presidency had reportedly begun consultations on appointing a new chairman ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the handover, Yakubu said his exit was in line with Section 306, Subsections 1 and 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), adding that it would allow the appointing authority sufficient time to name a substantive successor.
“In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior national commissioners by date of appointment. Following consultation with other national commissioners, May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman,” he stated.
Yakubu said stepping down early would enable a seamless transition as the commission prepares for critical elections, including the Anambra governorship election in November, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election in February 2026, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections later in the year, and the 2027 general elections.
Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed gratitude to Nigerians, staff, and stakeholders for their support and criticisms, saying both helped strengthen the Commission.
He also commended members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for their patriotism and service during elections.
“Above all, I thank Nigerians for their comments and criticisms, which encouraged rather than discouraged us to persevere,” he said.
Under his leadership, INEC introduced key reforms such as biometric voter registration, the digitisation of candidate nomination processes, electronic result transmission, and the establishment of the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC).
He also launched two publications, Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025, documenting the commission’s achievements over the past decade.
In her brief remarks, Agbamuche-Mbu lauded Yakubu’s dedication and promised to uphold the Commission’s integrity.
“We acknowledge the significant contributions and achievements made by Professor Yakubu during his tenure, particularly his hard work and dedication in serving our country meritoriously. I pledge to uphold the integrity of the Commission and work with utmost professionalism and unity,” she said.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to nominate a substantive INEC chairman soon, subject to Senate confirmation.
Civil society organisations, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Yiaga Africa, have urged the president to ensure a transparent appointment process.
Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, stated that the next INEC chairman must possess integrity, independence, and the courage to uphold democratic values.
