May Agbamuche-Mbu, a highly experienced legal expert with over three decades of distinguished service, has been appointed Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). She assumes this critical role following the handover from Professor Mahmood Yakubu, marking a significant transition for Nigeria's electoral body as it navigates its future chapters in upholding free and fair elections. Agbamuche-Mbu, recognized as the oldest serving National Commissioner within INEC, took over leadership from Professor Yakubu on Tuesday during a meeting held with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. Professor Yakubu urged all commissioners and directors to extend their full support to Agbamuche-Mbu until a substantive chairman is officially appointed.

Agbamuche-Mbu's professional journey is extensive and diverse. Born in Kano and originally hailing from Delta State, her early exposure to Nigeria's rich cultural diversity has profoundly shaped her unwavering commitment to national unity. Her background seamlessly integrates influences from both northern and southern regions, which is reflected in her public service ethos. Her robust educational foundation includes an LLB obtained from the University of Ife in 1984. She further qualified as a Solicitor in England and Wales and holds an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law, alongside postgraduate degrees in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law. Her schooling at St. Louis Secondary School in Kano, coupled with her advanced studies in London, has equipped her with a comprehensive global legal perspective.

Throughout her career spanning more than 30 years in law, Agbamuche-Mbu has held several prominent positions. She notably led Norfolk Partners in Lagos and contributed significantly to the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC) between 2010 and 2011. Her expertise also extended to the Solid Minerals Sector Roadmap in 2016. Since 2017, she has served as an INEC National Commissioner, bringing her profound understanding of legal frameworks to the commission. As a former editor of THISDAY LAWYER, she played a pivotal role in shaping legal discourse, and now, as Acting Chairman, she is tasked with leading INEC's crucial electoral mandate.

Her achievements underscore her influence and leadership in the legal and public service sectors. May Agbamuche-Mbu is a certified arbitrator and previously served as the Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). From 2014 to 2016, she authored 120 insightful “LEGAL EAGLE” editorials, contributing significantly to public understanding of legal issues. Her involvement in key roles within the PPAC and INEC’s Legal Unit has allowed her to influence policy directly. With dual Nigerian and English legal qualifications and a strong record of public advocacy, she has firmly established herself as a respected thought leader in governance and law.

The handover marks the conclusion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu's notable tenure as INEC Chairman. He was initially appointed to the position by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015, succeeding Amina Bala Zakari, who had served in an acting capacity after Professor Attahiru Jega's term expired. Professor Yakubu officially took his oath of office in early November 2015, following his confirmation by the Senate and swearing-in alongside several national commissioners. His dedicated service was recognized with a re-nomination for a second term in October 2020. During his leadership, Professor Yakubu oversaw several momentous elections in Nigeria, including the general elections of 2019 and 2023, which encompassed presidential, National Assembly, and state-level polls, leaving a significant legacy in the nation's democratic history.