Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the end of nearly a decade at the helm of Nigeria’s electoral body. His departure led to the immediate appointment of May Agbamuche-Mbu, a seasoned National Commissioner, as the Acting Chairman of the Commission. This significant transition, which occurred on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, sets the stage for new leadership as Nigeria prepares for future electoral cycles.

Professor Yakubu was first appointed as INEC Chairman on October 21, 2015, by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, succeeding Amina Zakari. Following Senate confirmation, he was sworn in on November 9, 2015. After completing his initial five-year term in November 2020, he was nominated for a second and final term by President Buhari, confirmed by the Senate, and sworn in on December 1, 2020. His second term was originally set to expire in the first week of December 2025, but President Bola Tinubu accepted his departure and bestowed upon him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his service to the nation.

The circumstances surrounding Professor Yakubu's early departure involved President Tinubu's directive for him to proceed on terminal leave before the official end of his tenure. This move followed allegations of a “last-minute betrayal” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government. Reports from SaharaReporters and concerns reportedly raised by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma suggested Yakubu was working to register new political parties, a move that allegedly disrupted Tinubu’s preparations for a second term. Additionally, there were claims that Yakubu was covertly supporting a candidate in the Imo State governorship election and could not be “trusted” to deliver favorable outcomes for the ruling party, particularly concerning the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

In the wake of Yakubu's exit, President Tinubu has approved Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the likely successor for the INEC National Chairman position. Amupitan, a kinsman and long-time legal counsel for Senator Dino Melaye, is expected to be presented to the Council of State on Thursday, October 9, 2025. This swift decision aims to allow the new Chairman sufficient time to “stabilise” the Commission before conducting crucial elections, including the Anambra State Governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, which Governor Uzodimma has reportedly been tasked with supervising.

May Agbamuche-Mbu, now serving as Acting Chairman, brings extensive experience to her new role. Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, her diverse upbringing contributed to her inclusive outlook. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, and later qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. She further advanced her legal education with a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, complemented by postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.

Before her appointment as an INEC National Commissioner in 2016, Agbamuche-Mbu served as Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a prominent Lagos-based law firm. Her public service contributions include acting as the sole solicitor to the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee between 2010 and 2011, and later joining the Ministerial Committee that drafted the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector in 2016. Her tenure at INEC has seen her contribute significantly to legal reforms, stakeholder engagement, and the development of electoral policy.

Beyond her direct roles, Agbamuche-Mbu has made notable contributions to legal development. She is a certified arbitrator and a former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). Between 2014 and 2016, she authored over 120 editions of the “Legal Eagle” column in THISDAY Lawyer, where she addressed critical issues pertaining to law, governance, and policy, showcasing her profound legal insights and commitment to public discourse.

Known for her professionalism and quiet leadership style, May Agbamuche-Mbu’s assumption of office as Acting INEC Chairman comes at a pivotal time. Her leadership is crucial as the Commission continues its vital work in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process, implementing ongoing reforms, and ensuring electoral integrity in preparation for forthcoming elections, including the Anambra governorship election, which holds significant political importance.