By Emmanuel Kwada
In a significant leadership transition at Nigeria’s electoral body, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has formally handed over to Mrs. May Agbamuche as Acting National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The handover occurred on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, marking the end of Yakubu’s decade-long tenure.
Yakubu, appointed in 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, has overseen two general elections in 2019 and 2023, introducing innovations amid criticisms of technical glitches and electoral integrity issues. His second five-year term concludes in November 2025, prompting him to proceed on terminal leave.
In an emotional address, he expressed gratitude to staff for their dedication and urged commissioners and directors to fully support Agbamuche until a substantive chairman is appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
Agbamuche, the longest-serving National Commissioner and a seasoned lawyer from Delta State, was selected per INEC’s internal protocol for the most senior commissioner to act in such vacancies. She chairs the Legal Services, Clearance & Complaints Committee and is expected to ensure continuity in reforms and preparations for future polls.
The move follows speculation on Yakubu’s successor, with emphasis on maintaining INEC’s neutrality ahead of potential 2027 elections. No timeline for a permanent appointment has been announced, but stakeholders anticipate a smooth interim period under Agbamuche’s leadership.
