INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Steps Down After a Decade in Office

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has officially stepped down after ten years at the helm of Nigeria’s electoral body. He handed over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, who will serve as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive successor.

Prof. Yakubu announced his resignation on Tuesday during the third regular quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for 2025, held at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja.

Welcoming participants to what he described as his final quarterly meeting as chairman, Yakubu expressed deep appreciation to the commission’s staff and commissioners for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.

The meeting coincided with the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which began seven weeks ago. According to updated figures, 6.8 million Nigerians have so far initiated their registration online, while 1.2 million have completed the process at designated physical centres.

Yakubu explained that the CVR exercise would continue until August 2026, when it will be suspended no later than 90 days before the next general election, in line with legal provisions.

He also outlined the commission’s preparation for key upcoming elections, including the Anambra governorship poll scheduled for next month, the FCT Area Council elections in February 2026, the Ekiti governorship election in June 2026, and the Osun governorship election in August 2026.

According to him, preliminary groundwork for the 2027 general elections has already begun, pending the passage of a new Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly. The proposed legislation, he noted, would necessitate revisions to INEC’s regulations, guidelines, and election manuals.

Reflecting on his decade of service, Prof. Yakubu highlighted the commission’s sweeping digital transformation under his leadership. He noted that INEC had consolidated the biometric voter register and replaced several manual procedures with technology-driven platforms.

Among the innovations introduced were digital systems for candidate nomination, accreditation of observers and media personnel, submission of polling and collation agents, voter accreditation, and electronic result transmission. These, he said, were complemented by improved collation management tools, election monitoring systems, and enhanced staff training—many of which were supported by development partners.

“The commission has recorded significant achievements,” Yakubu said. “However, there is still more to be done, particularly in sanitising the voter register, relocating polling units where necessary, and improving election arrangements for internally displaced persons.”

Citing Sections 306(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he formally announced his resignation and confirmed that Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, being the most senior National Commissioner by date of appointment, would assume office as Acting Chairman.

“This transition will allow sufficient time for the appointing authorities to name a new chairman and ensure continuity as the commission prepares for upcoming elections,” he stated.

Prof. Yakubu extended heartfelt appreciation to the 24 National Commissioners, 67 Resident Electoral Commissioners, and all INEC staff nationwide for their support since 2015. He also thanked the National Assembly, political parties, the National Peace Committee led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, civil society organisations, the media, labour unions, security agencies, and international development partners for their collaboration.

He reserved special praise for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing them as “the most patriotic, educated, and committed election workers.”

Expressing gratitude to his family for their patience and understanding, Yakubu remarked:

“Public feedback, both criticism and commendation, only strengthened our resolve. Together, we have laid a stronger foundation for credible elections in Africa’s largest democracy.”

To mark the end of his tenure, Prof. Yakubu unveiled two landmark publications chronicling his stewardship: “Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025” and “Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.” Both works are now available on the commission’s official website.

He concluded his address by praying for Nigeria’s continued democratic consolidation before formally handing over leadership and transition documents to Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu.

Tinubu Confers National Honour on Yakubu

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday confirmed his acceptance of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s resignation and conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Although Yakubu’s second tenure was due to end in November 2025, he is expected to proceed on pre-retirement leave. He was first appointed in November 2015 as INEC’s 14th Chairman and reappointed in 2020 for a second term.

According to a statement from presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the president commended Yakubu for his decade of dedicated service and his contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through the conduct of free and fair elections.

“In recognition of his meritorious service to the nation, President Tinubu has conferred on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON),” the statement read.

The president also directed that Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu should assume leadership of INEC in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.