Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has resigned to ensure a smooth transition and the appointment of a new chairman.
Yakubu announced his decision on Tuesday during a consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at INEC headquarters in Abuja. He formally handed over to National Commissioner Ms. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting Chairman.
“I have taken this decision under Section 36, Subsections 1 and 2 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” Yakubu said. “In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior national commissioners by date of appointment. After consulting other commissioners, Ms. May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in an acting capacity until a substantive chairman is appointed.”
He explained that stepping down now allows authorities sufficient time to select a new chairman. “It will also help the new chairman settle quickly to oversee elections in Africa’s most complex electoral environment,” Yakubu added.
Reflecting on his decade-long tenure, Yakubu thanked INEC members, RECs, political parties, civil society, the media, security agencies, and Nigerians at large. “Since 2015, I have worked with 24 national commissioners and 67 RECs. Together, we innovated and managed the commission’s enormous responsibilities, often under pressure,” he said.
During his leadership, INEC consolidated the biometric voters’ register and replaced many manual processes with digital platforms. The commission introduced technologies to improve candidate nomination, observer accreditation, result management, and election monitoring. With the help of development partners, INEC also enhanced election facility tracking, staff training, and political party finance monitoring.
Yakubu noted that preparations are already underway for the Anambra governorship election in November, the FCT Area Council election, and the 2026 Ekiti and Osun governorship polls. At the same time, INEC is preparing for the 2027 general elections, awaiting the enactment of a new Electoral Act.
In response, Acting Chairman Agbamuche-Mbu praised Yakubu’s leadership. “We acknowledge the significant achievements he made during his tenure, especially his dedication to serving our country. We wish him God’s guidance in his future endeavours,” she said. She also pledged to uphold the commission’s integrity and work collaboratively with commissioners, RECs, and staff nationwide.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of two books documenting INEC’s activities and technological reforms: Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Electoral Technology 2015–2025. Yakubu signed and handed over his notes to Agbamuche-Mbu, marking the official close of his tenure.
