The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday witnessed a seamless leadership transition as Professor Mahmood Yakubu officially concluded his decade-long tenure and handed over to National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who assumes office as Acting Chairman.
The handover took place during the third regular quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.
In his address, Prof. Yakubu announced that he had commenced his pre-retirement leave in line with Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He explained that the decision was made to allow for a smooth transition and give the appointing authorities ample time to name a substantive chairman.
“Having been privileged to serve the Commission for 10 years, with only a few more weeks to serve, I have taken a decision and commenced the same as provided by law,” Yakubu said, adding that Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu was chosen after consultation with fellow National Commissioners.
The outgoing INEC boss expressed confidence in her leadership, describing her as capable of steering the Commission through the complex challenges of Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
Reflecting on his tenure, which began in 2015, Yakubu highlighted major achievements, including the consolidation of the biometric register of voters, the digitisation of electoral processes, and innovations in election management. He also unveiled two publications — Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025 — which document INEC’s evolution under his leadership and are now available on the Commission’s website.
Prof. Yakubu also outlined key priorities for INEC going forward, such as the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which has already recorded 6.8 million online pre-registrations and 1.2 million completed physical registrations. Other focus areas include cleaning the voters’ register, reviewing polling units, and preparing for upcoming off-cycle elections in Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In her acceptance remarks, Barr. Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu expressed deep appreciation for the confidence reposed in her and paid glowing tribute to Prof. Yakubu’s leadership.
“We assure you that the Commission will do our very best to maintain and uphold the standards you have set. We will continue from where you stopped,” she said, pledging to uphold integrity, professionalism, and teamwork across the Commission.
The emotional ceremony was capped by a heartfelt message from the Commission’s Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, who, fighting back tears, thanked the outgoing chairman for his remarkable service and leadership.
“I stand before you today filled with emotion… I want to say thank you to the chairman for what he has done,” she said — a moment that underscored the respect and unity that defined Yakubu’s tenure at INEC.
