After a decade at the helm of Nigeria’s electoral commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially stepped down as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), handing over leadership to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, who will now serve as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive successor.
Yakubu made the announcement during the third regular quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for 2025, held on Tuesday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Describing it as his final quarterly meeting, he expressed deep gratitude to staff, commissioners, and partners for their support throughout his two-term tenure.
The resignation comes ahead of the expiration of his second term in November 2025. President Bola Tinubu has since accepted Yakubu’s early exit and conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his service to Nigeria’s democracy.
Legacy of Reform and Innovation
Reflecting on his 10-year stewardship, Yakubu highlighted the digital transformation of Nigeria’s electoral processes, including the adoption of biometric voter registration, online candidate nomination, and real-time election result transmission.
“Together, we laid a stronger foundation for credible elections in Africa’s largest democracy,” he stated.
He also noted the commission’s efforts to improve the inclusion of internally displaced persons (IDPs), streamline polling units, and enhance the accuracy of the voter register. The ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which began seven weeks ago, has seen over 6.8 million Nigerians initiate registration online, with 1.2 million completing the physical process.
Preparing for Future Elections
Yakubu revealed that INEC’s preparations are already underway for several key elections, including:
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Anambra Governorship Election – November 2025
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FCT Area Council Elections – February 2026
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Ekiti Governorship Election – June 2026
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Osun Governorship Election – August 2026
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2027 General Elections – Groundwork ongoing
He stressed that the CVR will continue until August 2026, in line with legal requirements that mandate a suspension 90 days before a general election.
INEC is also awaiting the passage of a new Electoral Act by the National Assembly, which Yakubu said would lead to updates in election regulations, manuals, and procedures.
Transition of Leadership
Quoting Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Yakubu formally announced his resignation and said the decision to hand over to Agbamuche-Mbu was reached after consultations with other commissioners. Her appointment ensures continuity as the commission moves forward with its electoral timetable.
In his farewell remarks, he thanked the 24 National Commissioners and 67 RECs he served alongside, as well as the National Assembly, political parties, civil society, development partners, the media, security agencies, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which he praised as the “most patriotic, educated, and committed election workers.”
Yakubu also unveiled two major publications chronicling INEC’s progress under his leadership:
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“Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025”
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“Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025”
Both documents are now available on the INEC website.
Tinubu Commends Yakubu’s Service
President Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide Bayo Onanuga, praised Yakubu’s dedication to credible elections and democratic consolidation.
“President Tinubu has bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON),” the statement read, adding that the president directed Yakubu to hand over to Agbamuche-Mbu to ensure smooth leadership transition.
Yakubu was first appointed as INEC Chairman in November 2015 and reappointed for a second term in 2020 — becoming the first person to serve two terms in the role since the commission’s inception.
As Nigeria looks ahead to a new phase in its electoral journey, Agbamuche-Mbu will steer the commission in an acting capacity, while the process to appoint a substantive chairman gets underway.
