Mahmood Yakubu Steps Down As INEC Boss, Hands Over To Agbamuche-Mbu

After a decade at the helm of Nigeria’s election management body, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has officially resigned from office.

Yakubu, who has served since 2015, announced his resignation on Tuesday during the Commission’s quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja — describing the session as his “last as chairman.”

Citing Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, Yakubu explained that his decision was aimed at ensuring a seamless transition as INEC prepares for a packed electoral schedule over the next two years.

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By a consensus decision of the National Commissioners, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior commissioner, was appointed to serve as Acting Chairman pending the nomination and confirmation of a substantive successor.

Reflecting on his ten-year tenure, Yakubu highlighted INEC’s major milestones in electoral innovation — including biometric voter registration, electronic result transmission, and online nomination and monitoring systems for political parties.

“Together, we built a foundation for credible elections in Africa’s largest democracy,” he declared.

He expressed appreciation to political parties, civil society groups, the National Peace Committee, security agencies, the media, and especially members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whom he described as “the most patriotic election officials.”

To mark the end of his stewardship, the outgoing chairman unveiled two new INEC publications — “Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025” and “Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025” — both now available on the Commission’s official website.

These works, Yakubu said, document the Commission’s reform journey, challenges, and innovations under his leadership.

Yakubu’s exit comes as INEC intensifies preparations for several major elections, including the Anambra Governorship Poll scheduled for next month, the FCT Area Council elections in February 2026, and the Ekiti and Osun Governorship contests later the same year.

He also revealed that early groundwork for the 2027 general elections has already begun, assuring Nigerians of continuity under the Commission’s new leadership.

Ending on a reflective and cheerful note, Yakubu invited his colleagues for a farewell group photograph before formally handing over to Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu.