Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially handed over to May Agbamuche as the Acting National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Agbamuche, who is the oldest serving National Commissioner in the electoral body, will oversee the commission’s affairs until a substantive chairman is appointed.
Yakubu made the announcement on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. He urged the commissioners and directors of the commission to extend their full cooperation and support to Agbamuche in the discharge of her duties.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit marks the end of his two-term tenure, spanning 10 years of service as INEC chairman.
Appointed in November 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari six months after Buhari assumed office, Yakubu completed his first term in 2020 and was subsequently reappointed, becoming the first person in Nigeria’s history to serve two terms as INEC chairman.
During his tenure, INEC conducted several elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to appoint Yakubu’s successor soon, subject to Senate confirmation.
What you should know
May Agbamuche-Mbu, a respected lawyer and senior member of INEC, has assumed the position of Acting National Chairman following the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s decade-long leadership.
Her appointment ensures continuity as the commission awaits President Tinubu’s nomination of a new chairman.
