In a significant development for Nigeria’s electoral landscape, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has officially handed over the leadership of the commission to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as the acting chairman. The handover ceremony took place on October 7, 2025, during an ongoing meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, marking a pivotal moment in the commission’s history as it transitions to new leadership.
Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the longest-serving National Commissioner at INEC, has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the affairs of the electoral body pending the appointment of a substantive chairman. Her appointment as acting chairman comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria, as the nation prepares for future electoral processes that will shape its democratic trajectory. The role of INEC, as Nigeria’s electoral umpire, is central to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, and Agbamuche-Mbu’s leadership will be closely watched by stakeholders across the country.
During the handover ceremony, Professor Yakubu addressed the commissioners, directors, and staff of INEC, emphasizing the importance of continuity and cooperation during this transitional period. In his remarks, he urged all members of the commission to extend their full support to the acting chairman, just as they had done during his tenure. “I have today handed over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu as the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. I urge all commissioners and directors to give her the same level of cooperation and dedication that you have shown me,” Yakubu stated. His call for unity and support underscores the need for a seamless transition to maintain the commission’s operational efficiency and credibility.
Professor Yakubu’s tenure as INEC chairman, which spanned several years, will be particularly remembered for his oversight of the 2023 Presidential election, a landmark event in Nigeria’s democratic history. The 2023 election was a high-stakes exercise, characterized by intense political competition, widespread public engagement, and significant scrutiny of the electoral process. Under Yakubu’s leadership, INEC introduced several innovations aimed at improving the transparency and efficiency of elections, including the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. These technological advancements were designed to enhance voter accreditation and ensure real-time transmission of election results, reducing the potential for electoral malpractice.
However, Yakubu’s tenure was not without challenges. The 2023 elections faced criticism from various quarters, including political parties, civil society organizations, and international observers, who raised concerns about logistical issues, delays in result transmission, and allegations of irregularities in some polling units. Despite these challenges, Yakubu and his team at INEC were commended for their efforts to uphold the integrity of the electoral process under difficult circumstances, including security threats and logistical constraints in remote areas. The 2023 election saw the emergence of new political dynamics, with a closely contested race that reflected Nigeria’s vibrant and diverse political landscape.
As Yakubu steps down, his legacy will be evaluated based on his contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework, as well as the lessons learned from the successes and shortcomings of his tenure. His leadership helped navigate INEC through a transformative period in Nigeria’s democracy, with a focus on leveraging technology to improve electoral outcomes. However, ongoing debates about electoral reforms and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process will likely shape the priorities of his successor.
Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu steps into the role of acting chairman with a wealth of experience as a National Commissioner at INEC. Her long tenure within the commission has equipped her with an in-depth understanding of its operations, challenges, and aspirations. As the oldest serving commissioner, she is well-positioned to provide steady leadership during this interim period. Her appointment reflects INEC’s tradition of entrusting leadership to experienced hands to ensure continuity and stability.
Agbamuche-Mbu’s immediate task will be to sustain public confidence in INEC’s ability to deliver credible elections while addressing lingering concerns from past electoral cycles. Nigeria’s electoral environment is complex, with diverse stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, and the general public, all demanding greater transparency, inclusivity, and fairness in the electoral process. The acting chairman will also need to oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle elections in various states, as well as lay the groundwork for the next general election.
The handover ceremony itself was a formal yet symbolic event, attended by key INEC officials, including Resident Electoral Commissioners who play a critical role in managing elections at the state level. The meeting provided an opportunity for Yakubu to reflect on his tenure and express gratitude to the commission’s staff for their dedication and resilience. His appeal for continued support for Agbamuche-Mbu highlights the collaborative nature of INEC’s work, which relies on the collective efforts of its commissioners, directors, and field staff to execute its mandate.
As Nigeria looks ahead, the transition to Agbamuche-Mbu’s leadership comes at a time when the country is grappling with broader democratic challenges, including voter apathy, political polarization, and the need for electoral reforms. The acting chairman’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in maintaining INEC’s credibility and ensuring that the commission remains a trusted institution in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Looking forward, the appointment of a substantive INEC chairman will be a key decision for the federal government, as it will set the tone for the commission’s direction in the coming years. Stakeholders will be keen to see whether the new leadership builds on the technological and procedural advancements introduced under Yakubu’s tenure or charts a new course to address emerging challenges. Issues such as voter education, electoral security, and the timely resolution of electoral disputes will remain critical priorities for INEC.
The handover also serves as a reminder of the importance of institutional stability in Nigeria’s democracy. INEC, as an independent body, plays a pivotal role in upholding the will of the people through credible elections. The commission’s ability to maintain its independence, resist external pressures, and deliver transparent electoral processes will be essential in sustaining public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In conclusion, Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s handover to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu marks the beginning of a new chapter for INEC. As the acting chairman takes the helm, she inherits both the achievements and challenges of her predecessor’s tenure. Her leadership will be tested by the demands of Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, but her experience and familiarity with INEC’s operations provide a strong foundation for guiding the commission through this transitional period. The nation watches with keen interest as Agbamuche-Mbu steps into this critical role, with the hope that her tenure will contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes and ensuring that the voice of the electorate remains paramount.
