Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
After a decade that reshaped Nigeria’s electoral landscape, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has formally bowed out of office, handing over the reins of leadership to one of the Commission’s most senior National Commissioners, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will now serve as Acting Chairman, pending the appointment of a substantive successor. This was contained in INEC Daily Bulletin Volume 2, No. 397 of October 7, 2025.
The symbolic handover took place on Tuesday, 7th October 2025, during the Commission’s Third Quarterly m,eeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja. The gathering, originally meant to review the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and preparations for forthcoming elections, turned into a poignant farewell as Prof. Yakubu signed his exit notes and bid an emotional goodbye to colleagues after ten transformative years at the helm.
In his remarks, Prof. Yakubu reflected on his stewardship since assuming office in 2015, expressing deep gratitude to his colleagues, staff, and Nigerians for their support and constructive criticisms. “Having been privileged to serve the Commission for 10 years, with only a few more weeks to go, I have taken a decision and conveyed the same as provided by Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior National Commissioners by date of appointment,” he announced. He explained that the decision would give the appointing authorities enough time to name a new chairman while ensuring continuity in the Commission’s operations.
Prof. Yakubu reviewed the progress made by the Commission during his tenure, noting that INEC had consolidated the biometric register of voters, strengthened the use of technology, and enhanced the transparency of elections. He recalled that several manual processes had been replaced with digital platforms such as online nomination of candidates, accreditation of election observers and media, and result management through the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. He further acknowledged the contributions of development partners, civil society, political parties, and security agencies for their steadfast support in ensuring credible elections despite the challenges of insecurity and natural disasters.
“We have made tremendous progress, but a lot more needs to be done,” he said, adding that preparations had already commenced for the 2027 general election while awaiting the passage of a new Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly. He also announced the publication of two new books that document the Commission’s work over the past decade—Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025. The books, he said, provide a comprehensive account of the Commission’s activities, reforms, and technological advancements in election administration.
Receiving the instruments of handover, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who now assumes office as Acting Chairman, paid glowing tribute to Prof. Yakubu for his leadership, innovation, and dedication to credible elections. “We acknowledge the significant contributions and achievements made by Professor Mahmood Yakubu during his tenure, in particular his hard work and dedication in serving our country meritoriously,” she said. “We assure you that the Commission will do its very best to maintain and uphold the standards you have set. We will continue from where you stopped.”
She pledged to uphold the integrity of the Commission and work closely with the National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, Directors, and staff nationwide to sustain the progress achieved over the years. “I pledge to uphold the integrity of the Commission and work with utmost professionalism, dedication, and unity to ensure the continued success and growth of INEC,” she affirmed.
As the curtain draws on Prof. Yakubu’s tenure, one marked by sweeping technological reforms, institutional resilience, and a new culture of transparency, the Commission now turns its focus to the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Under Agbamuche-Mbu’s interim leadership, INEC continues to oversee the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which has already recorded 6.8 million online pre-registrations and 1.2 million completed in-person registrations, while preparing for upcoming off-cycle elections in Anambra, the FCT, Ekiti, and Osun States.
The meeting ended on an emotional note, with more glowing tribute to Prof. Mahmood by a representative of the RECs, Prof. Sam Egwu and the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, as well as a farewell photograph session between Prof. Yakubu, the Acting Chairman, National Commissioners, the RECs and other staff of the Commission, marking the close of an era and the dawn of another chapter in the story of Nigeria’s electoral journey.
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