In a significant development for Nigeria’s electoral landscape, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This announcement comes as Professor Yakubu’s second term in office, which began in 2020, reached its conclusion due to the expiration of his tenure. The news was officially communicated through a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The statement provided a detailed account of Professor Yakubu’s tenure, noting that he was first appointed as the 14th Chairman of INEC in November 2015 for an initial five-year term. His appointment was subsequently renewed in 2020 for another five years, a period that has now come to an end. The statement emphasized the constitutional and temporal factors that led to the expiration of his leadership role at the commission.
In acknowledging Professor Yakubu’s contributions, President Tinubu expressed deep appreciation for his service to the nation. The statement highlighted Yakubu’s pivotal role in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic processes, particularly through his leadership in organizing elections that were widely regarded as free, fair, and credible. His tenure was marked by significant efforts to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system, ensuring that democratic principles remained at the forefront of the nation’s governance.
As a mark of recognition for his exemplary service, President Tinubu conferred upon Professor Yakubu the prestigious national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). This accolade underscores the significant impact of Yakubu’s work in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and fostering public trust in the electoral process. The conferment of such an honor reflects the high regard in which his contributions are held by the federal government and the Nigerian people.
To ensure continuity in the leadership of INEC, President Tinubu directed Professor Yakubu to hand over the reins of the commission to the most senior National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu. Commissioner Agbamuche-Mbu will serve as the interim head of INEC, overseeing the commission’s operations until the process of appointing a substantive successor is completed. This directive is aimed at maintaining stability and ensuring that the commission continues to function effectively during the transition period.
In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as INEC Chairman since 2015. In his heartfelt message, he reflected on his decade-long tenure, during which he had the privilege of steering Nigeria’s electoral body through critical moments in the nation’s democratic journey. Yakubu’s letter conveyed a deep sense of appreciation for the trust placed in him and the support he received from the government and the Nigerian people throughout his service.
Under Professor Yakubu’s leadership, INEC conducted multiple general elections, including the highly consequential 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, as well as numerous off-cycle governorship and legislative elections across the country. His tenure was characterized by a commitment to enhancing the credibility, transparency, and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral processes. Yakubu’s leadership saw the introduction of technological innovations, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which aimed to reduce electoral malpractices and enhance voter confidence in the system.
Despite facing challenges, including logistical difficulties, security concerns, and public scrutiny, Yakubu’s stewardship was widely acknowledged for its focus on ensuring orderly and credible polls. His efforts to engage stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and international observers, contributed to fostering a more inclusive and transparent electoral environment. These initiatives helped to solidify INEC’s role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic framework.
The transition to interim leadership under May Agbamuche-Mbu marks a critical juncture for INEC as it prepares for future electoral responsibilities. Agbamuche-Mbu, a seasoned legal practitioner and experienced commissioner, is expected to bring her expertise to bear in steering the commission through this interim period. Her appointment ensures that INEC remains fully operational while the government undertakes the process of selecting a new chairman to lead the commission into its next chapter.
The departure of Professor Yakubu has sparked widespread reflection on his legacy and the future of Nigeria’s electoral system. Political analysts and stakeholders have commended his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, noting that his tenure set a high standard for electoral management in the country. At the same time, there have been calls for the incoming leadership to build on Yakubu’s achievements by addressing lingering challenges, such as voter apathy, electoral violence, and the need for further technological advancements in the electoral process.
As Nigeria looks ahead to its next general elections and other electoral activities, the role of INEC remains pivotal in shaping the nation’s democratic trajectory. The commission’s ability to maintain public trust and deliver credible elections will be critical to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic gains. The appointment of a new chairman will be closely watched, as it will signal the direction of electoral reforms and the government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.
President Tinubu’s decision to honor Professor Yakubu with the CON award has been widely praised as a fitting tribute to a public servant who dedicated a decade of his career to advancing Nigeria’s democracy. The recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership in public service and the lasting impact of commitment to national development.
In the broader context, Yakubu’s exit comes at a time when Nigeria is navigating complex political and economic challenges. The smooth transition of leadership at INEC is seen as a positive signal of stability in the country’s governance structures. The interim leadership under Agbamuche-Mbu will be tasked with maintaining this stability while preparing the commission for upcoming electoral activities, including potential off-cycle elections and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Stakeholders across the political spectrum have expressed optimism about the future of INEC under new leadership, while also acknowledging the significant contributions of Professor Yakubu. Civil society groups have called for the incoming chairman to prioritize electoral reforms, including strengthening the legal framework for elections, enhancing voter education, and improving the security of electoral materials and personnel.
As Nigeria continues to evolve as a democratic nation, the role of INEC in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections cannot be overstated. The legacy of Professor Yakubu, characterized by resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to democratic principles, will serve as a benchmark for his successors. The conferment of the CON honor is not only a personal achievement for Yakubu but also a recognition of the collective efforts of INEC’s staff and stakeholders who worked under his leadership to uphold Nigeria’s democracy.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s acceptance of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s departure as INEC Chairman marks the end of a significant era in Nigeria’s electoral history. Yakubu’s contributions to the nation’s democratic processes have left an indelible mark, and his recognition with the Commander of the Order of the Niger underscores the value of his service. As INEC transitions to interim leadership under May Agbamuche-Mbu, the nation looks forward to the appointment of a new chairman who will build on Yakubu’s legacy and continue to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system. The road ahead for INEC will require sustained commitment to transparency, accountability, and innovation to meet the expectations of Nigerians and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
