INEC Leadership Change: Yakubu Bows Out, Agbamuche-Mbu Takes the Helm

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has officially handed over the leadership of the Commission to Barr. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as the Acting National Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive head by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Prof. Yakubu made the announcement on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Agbamuche-Mbu, who represents Delta State on the Commission, is the most senior serving National Commissioner and a lawyer with extensive experience in election administration, legal compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

In his remarks, Prof. Yakubu expressed gratitude to the Commission’s staff and members for their dedication, professionalism, and cooperation throughout his tenure. He urged them to extend the same commitment to the Acting Chairman as INEC continues to consolidate its reforms and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes.

“It has been a privilege to serve our great nation in this capacity. I am confident that under the capable leadership of Barr. Agbamuche-Mbu, INEC will continue to uphold the principles of transparency, credibility, and integrity in the electoral process,”
— Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated.

Barr. Agbamuche-Mbu, appointed to the Commission in 2016 and reappointed in 2021, is expected to steer ongoing initiatives, including preparations for the upcoming Anambra off-cycle election, electoral guideline reviews, and logistics reforms.

Prof. Yakubu’s tenure, spanning from 2015 to 2025, was marked by major milestones in Nigeria’s electoral system, including the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal—technological innovations that enhanced transparency and voter confidence.

His exit marks the end of a decade-long era that witnessed two general elections (2019 and 2023) and numerous off-cycle polls, as well as significant strides in electoral digitization and institutional strengthening.

The formal handover ceremony, attended by INEC National Commissioners, Directors, and senior staff, marks the beginning of a new administrative chapter for Nigeria’s election management body.