May Agbamuche-Mbu Assumes Role as Acting INEC Chairman

National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu has taken over as the acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the formal handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on terminal leave. The transition was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. Yakubu, who has served the commission for 10 years, expressed gratitude to colleagues, civil society groups, development partners, and Nigerians for their support, highlighting the Commission’s preparations for upcoming elections, including the Anambra governorship poll next month and the 2027 general elections.

During the handover, Yakubu reflected on the innovations introduced under his leadership, including digital platforms for voter registration, virtual training, election monitoring systems, and tools for managing party finances. He emphasized the challenges of conducting elections in Nigeria, such as insecurity, floods, and internally displaced voters, while stressing the need for continued reforms. Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner by date of appointment, will serve in an acting capacity until a substantive chairman is appointed.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale