Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally acknowledged the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the conclusion of his second term in office.
Yakubu, who was first appointed as the 14th INEC Chairman in November 2015 for a five-year term and reappointed in 2020, has now completed his tenure. The President commended him for his dedication to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy, noting his pivotal role in overseeing the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his decade-long leadership.
In recognition of his service, President Tinubu conferred on Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), a gesture reflecting his contribution to the country’s electoral and democratic processes.
The President also directed that Professor Yakubu hand over administrative responsibilities to the most senior National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu. She will serve as Acting Chairman and manage the affairs of the commission until a substantive successor is appointed.
In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu expressed his gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve the nation as INEC Chairman over the past ten years. He described his tenure as a period of immense learning and service, aimed at improving transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the developments on October 7, 2025, highlighting the importance of a seamless transition in maintaining the integrity and continuity of INEC’s operations.
The transition comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s electoral landscape, as the commission continues preparations for ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration and upcoming off-cycle elections. Observers note that the handover to Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, a senior commissioner with extensive experience, ensures stability and operational continuity at the commission.
Professor Yakubu’s tenure is widely recognised for significant reforms, including the introduction of biometric voter verification systems and digital result management portals, which have been instrumental in modernising Nigeria’s electoral processes.
The formal acceptance of Yakubu’s departure and the conferment of a national honour mark a fitting conclusion to his service, while Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu’s assumption of acting leadership signals a new chapter for INEC ahead of future electoral exercises.
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