Yakubu bows out of INEC, hands over to Agbamuche-Mbu as acting chair

-SEB EDITORIAL-

A Decade of Electoral Stewardship Ends as Yakubu Hands Over INEC Leadership

In a momentous transition at Nigeria’s electoral helm, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially bowed out as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), handing over the reins to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, who now serves as Acting Chair pending the appointment of a substantive successor.

The handover, which took place during a consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at INEC headquarters in Abuja, marked the end of Yakubu’s nearly ten-year tenure, a period defined by sweeping reforms, digital innovation, and the navigation of Nigeria’s complex electoral terrain. 

Appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2015 and reappointed in 2020, Yakubu oversaw two general elections, including the landmark 2019 and 2023 polls, and introduced biometric voter registration and electronic result transmission, among other advancements.

In his farewell remarks, Yakubu expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians and stakeholders across the political spectrum, including the National Assembly, civil society, the media, and security agencies. He acknowledged the challenges faced and the resilience of the commission, noting that INEC had worked with 24 national commissioners and 67 RECs during his tenure. “Together, we innovated and managed the commission’s enormous responsibilities, sometimes on the verge of breaking down,” he reflected.

The choice of Agbamuche-Mbu as acting chair was made in consultation with other commissioners, in accordance with constitutional provisions. 

A seasoned lawyer and administrator, she brings continuity and institutional memory to the role, having served on the commission since her appointment representing Delta State. 

Yakubu urged INEC staff to extend the same cooperation and dedication to her as they had shown him, emphasizing the importance of a smooth transition to ensure the commission remains focused on its electoral mandate.

As Nigeria looks ahead to future elections, the baton has been passed with solemnity and hope. The legacy of Yakubu’s leadership, marked by transparency, innovation, and resilience, sets a high bar for his successor. In the interim, Agbamuche-Mbu’s stewardship will be pivotal in maintaining the commission’s momentum and public trust.