Nigeria’s long-serving electoral chief, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has vacated his post as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), handing over leadership on Tuesday to Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu in an acting capacity.
Yakubu, appointed in October 2015 and reappointed in 2020, became the first INEC chair to serve two full terms since the body’s establishment. His tenure was marked by significant reforms in election logistics and the adoption of new technologies, alongside fierce public debate over the credibility of polls.
Speaking at INEC headquarters in Abuja as he signed his exit note, Yakubu expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and called for support for Agbamuche-Mbu until a substantive successor is named.
The leadership change comes as Nigeria prepares for upcoming governorship elections and as debates continue over strengthening electoral credibility and institutional independence.
