Koko Maxwella 
Abuja, Nigeria – National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu has officially assumed duties as the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s commencement of terminal leave ahead of his tenure’s expiration.
The handover was confirmed on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Explaining his decision, Yakubu said it was in line with Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Having had the privilege of leading this Commission for the past ten years, and with only a few weeks left in my tenure, I have decided to proceed on terminal leave,” he said.
Yakubu added that he had, in consultation with other National Commissioners, handed over to Agbamuche-Mbu — one of the most senior members by appointment date — to serve in an acting capacity until a substantive chairman is appointed.
He said the transition would give the appointing authorities time to select a successor capable of managing Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape.
“Those familiar with election conduct understand its challenges. I will forever cherish the cooperation and commitment of our staff across the country,” he said.
The outgoing chairman also praised members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for their patriotism, describing them as “the most dedicated election officials I have worked with.”
As part of his farewell, Yakubu unveiled two key publications — Election Management in Nigeria (2015–2025) and Innovations in Electoral Technology (2015–2025) — documenting INEC’s reforms and progress.
He outlined the Commission’s preparations for the upcoming Anambra governorship election in November, the FCT Area Council polls in February 2026, and the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections slated for June and August 2026 respectively.
“We have made significant strides in modernising our processes, but there is still more work ahead,” he said.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
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