By Emmanuel Kwada
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the longest-serving Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), concluded his historic 10-year tenure on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, marking the end of an era in Nigeria’s electoral history.
Yakubu, who made history as the first INEC Chairman to serve two consecutive terms, handed over the leadership of the commission to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner, who will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a new chairman.
His departure sets the stage for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to announce a successor, with indications pointing to Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the frontrunner among three potential candidates.
A Historic Tenure
Professor Yakubu, appointed in November 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed in 2020, served as the 14th Chairman of INEC and the only one to complete a decade in office.
His tenure outlasted all predecessors, surpassing the record of Abel Guobadia, the first INEC Chairman to complete a full term under a civilian administration. Yakubu’s leadership oversaw critical elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections, and he navigated the commission through challenges such as technological advancements, logistical complexities, and public scrutiny.
I have taken a decision and conveyed the same as provided by Section 36, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended
Yakubu’s tenure was not without controversy, as Nigeria’s elections often faced allegations of irregularities, logistical delays, and violence. However, his ability to complete two terms underscores his resilience and the confidence reposed in him by successive administrations.
In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Yakubu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, emphasizing his commitment to Nigeria’s democratic process. In recognition of his service, President Tinubu conferred on him the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Reflecting on his exit, Yakubu noted, “I have taken a decision and conveyed the same as provided by Section 36, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.”
He explained that his decision to step down was to allow his successor sufficient time to prepare for upcoming electoral activities, including off-cycle governorship elections. Sources revealed that Yakubu had initially considered leaving in June 2025 but was persuaded to remain until the expiration of his tenure.
INEC’s Leadership Transition
Following Yakubu’s exit, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu assumed the role of Acting Chairman, becoming the second woman to lead INEC in an acting capacity, after Amina Bala Zakari in 2015. Agbamuche-Mbu, a seasoned lawyer from Delta State, brings over three decades of legal expertise to the role.
A graduate of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1984, she also holds a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London. Confirmed as an INEC National Commissioner in 2016, Agbamuche-Mbu is a certified arbitrator and former editor of THISDAY LAWYER, where her “Legal Eagle” column shaped public discourse on law and governance.
A former INEC director, Nick Dazang, expressed confidence in the commission’s ability to maintain continuity, stating, “The commission is a continuum… ably complemented by Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), Secretary to the Commission, and Directors/Administrative Secretaries who are the engine room and institutional memory.” He noted that past transitions, even during off-cycle elections, have been seamless.
The Race for Yakubu’s Successor
With Yakubu’s departure, attention has shifted to the appointment of a new INEC Chairman, a process governed by Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The appointment is expected to be finalized following a meeting of the National Council of State on Thursday, October 9, 2025
The President is tasked with nominating a candidate of “unquestionable integrity” who is at least 50 years old, subject to Senate confirmation. The appointment is expected to be finalized following a meeting of the National Council of State on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
According to sources close to the presidency, three individuals are under consideration: Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman, and Professor Lai Olurode. Of the trio, Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, is reportedly the leading candidate.
Born on April 25, 1967, in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Kogi State, Amupitan is a Professor of Law with expertise in Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatisation Law. With a distinguished academic career, he has served in various roles at the University of Jos, including Dean of the Faculty of Law and member of the Governing Council.
Amupitan’s research spans electoral law reform, privatization, and petroleum industry law, with over 50 publications to his credit. His approachable demeanor and administrative experience have earned him praise, with former House of Representatives member Timothy Golu describing him as “a well-respected lecturer and astute administrator” who would “discharge the duties credibly.”
Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman
Justice Liman, a retired Court of Appeal judge from Nasarawa State, was born in 1959 and called to the Bar in 1984. With over 25 years of judicial experience, he has presided over high-profile cases, including rulings related to the Kano Emirate dispute and former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. His judicial background makes him a strong contender for the INEC chairmanship.
Professor Lai Olurode
A sociologist and lawyer, Olurode is a first-class graduate of Sociology from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he also earned an LL.B in 1990. A former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at UNILAG, he served as an INEC National Commissioner from 2010, overseeing Oyo, Ogun, and Ekiti States. His extensive academic and electoral experience positions him as a viable candidate.
Nigeria’s Electoral History
Since its establishment, Nigeria has had six electoral bodies and 14 chairpersons, with one acting chairman. Six chairmen—Michael Ani, Eme Awa, Humphrey Nwosu, Okon Edet Uya, Sumner Dagogo Jack, and Ephraim Akpata—served under military regimes, with only Ani and Akpata overseeing transitions to civilian rule.
Under civilian administrations, Eyo Ita Isua, Victor Ovie Whiskey, Abel Guobadia, Maurice Iwu, Attahiru Jega, and Mahmood Yakubu led INEC, with Guobadia being the first to complete a full term.
We must finalise electoral reforms well ahead of the 2027 general elections… to reduce the ambiguities that trailed the last elections
Yakubu’s tenure was marked by efforts to modernize Nigeria’s electoral process, including the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic result transmission. However, challenges such as logistical delays, voter suppression, and legal disputes persisted, fueling calls for electoral reforms.
Call for Electoral Reforms
As INEC prepares for a new chapter, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has urged lawmakers to expedite ongoing electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Abbas emphasized that the Electoral Act Amendment Bill aims to address issues such as electoral violence, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and ambiguities in dispute resolution timelines.
“We must finalise electoral reforms well ahead of the 2027 general elections… to reduce the ambiguities that trailed the last elections,” he said, advocating for single-day voting and transparent party primaries to make elections less contentious and costly.
As Nigeria awaits the announcement of Yakubu’s successor, the nation’s democratic institutions face the task of building on his legacy while addressing persistent challenges. The new INEC Chairman will inherit a commission at a critical juncture, with the 2027 elections looming and public expectations for credible, transparent polls at an all-time high. Whether Amupitan, Liman, or Olurode takes the helm, their leadership will shape the future of Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
For now, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu steers INEC in its interim phase, ensuring continuity as the nation prepares for the next chapter in its democratic journey.
Read Also: Breaking: Prof Mahmood Yakubu Steps Down as INEC Chair….
