Yakubu Steps Down After a Decade at INEC, Agbamuche Takes Over in Acting Capacity
After completing two eventful terms as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially vacated his position, bringing an end to a decade-long stewardship of Nigeria’s election management body.
Yakubu, who assumed office in 2015 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, handed over to National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu on Tuesday, who will now serve as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive replacement by President Bola Tinubu.
The handover, which took place at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, marked a significant moment for the Commission as it transitions to new leadership after years of far reaching electoral reforms and contentious elections.
In his parting remarks, Professor Yakubu expressed gratitude to the Commission’s staff and stakeholders for their commitment throughout his tenure. He urged them to extend the same cooperation and professionalism to his successor to ensure stability and continuity within the electoral institution.
I have done my part to the best of my ability, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this nation, Yakubu said. As I step aside, I call on my colleagues to support the Acting Chairman so that the Commission continues to discharge its responsibilities without interruption.
Yakubu’s departure sets the stage for President Tinubu to appoint a new chairman for the Commission. The Presidency is expected to make the announcement soon, with reports indicating that the issue will top discussions at the forthcoming Council of State meeting later this week.
Yakubu’s ten-year leadership was marked by innovations and reforms aimed at improving electoral integrity in Nigeria. Among his notable achievements was the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), both designed to enhance transparency and public confidence in the voting process.
He also oversaw the continuous voter registration exercise that expanded Nigeria’s voter database to over 93 million people the largest in Africa. Despite these strides, his tenure was not without controversy. Critics faulted the handling of the 2023 general elections, alleging irregularities in result transmission and logistical lapses, though INEC defended the process as largely credible.
Political observers believe Yakubu’s time in office will be remembered for modernizing electoral procedures and introducing technology into the heart of Nigeria’s voting system. Yet, they note that the next INEC leader will face the challenge of restoring public trust and deepening the credibility of elections.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has renewed its call for reforms in the appointment process of INEC’s leadership. During a consultative session with the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review held in Abuja, IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, proposed the creation of an Independent Appointment Committee (IAC) to select key INEC officials.
According to Dantalle, the IAC should comprise representatives from registered political parties, civil society organizations, the National Judicial Council, and members of the National Assembly drawn from both the majority and minority caucuses.
To strengthen electoral independence and fairness, the process of appointing the INEC Chairman, National Commissioners, and the Secretary should not rest solely in the hands of the President, Dantalle said. An Independent Appointment Committee will promote transparency, inclusivity, and credibility in the entire system.
The proposal, which has gained traction among opposition parties and democracy advocates, seeks to reduce political influence in the appointment of electoral officials a persistent concern in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
As Acting Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu now assumes responsibility for steering the Commission through a delicate transitional period. A lawyer by training and one of the longest-serving commissioners, she has been described by colleagues as experienced, pragmatic, and committed to institutional reforms.
Her immediate tasks will include overseeing INEC’s preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and maintaining operational momentum while awaiting a substantive appointment.
Analysts note that her interim leadership will test the Commission’s resilience and internal cohesion. With rising public expectations for credible polls, Agbamuche-Mbu is expected to build on the technological foundations laid by Yakubu while addressing the operational shortcomings identified in recent elections.
As the Commission turns a new chapter, Nigerians await President Tinubu’s decision on who will lead the electoral body into the next phase. Whoever emerges will inherit both the achievements and challenges of a system still evolving toward full independence and credibility.
For Professor Yakubu, the conclusion of his tenure signifies the end of a demanding yet historic chapter in Nigeria’s electoral development. Whether praised for his innovations or criticized for electoral controversies, one thing remains certain: his decade at the helm of INEC has indelibly shaped the trajectory of Nigeria’s democratic process.