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Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the appointment of Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu as the Acting Chairman, following the temporary exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Background of the Appointment
May Agbamuche-Mbu, a seasoned legal expert with over three decades of experience, is the longest-serving National Commissioner in the commission. Her appointment is in line with the commission's internal protocol, which allows the most senior national commissioner to assume the role in the absence of a substantive chairman
Agbamuche-Mbu is a certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). She has served in various capacities, including :
National Commissioner, INEC: Since 2017
Editor, THISDAY LAWYER: Shaping legal discourse and influencing policy through key roles in the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee and INEC's Legal Unit LLB and LLM Holder: From the University of Ife and advanced studies in London, equipping her with a global legal perspective
As Acting Chairman, Agbamuche-Mbu will oversee the commission's operations pending the appointment of a substantive chairman. Key challenges include
Preparing for upcoming electoral activities: Including the Anambra governorship poll and the 2027 general elections
Maintaining continuity: Ensuring the commission's ongoing reforms and programs continue uninterrupted
Enhancing election transparency: Building on the legacy of her predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who introduced innovative electoral technologies like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV)
The appointment of Agbamuche-Mbu has been welcomed by many, given her wealth of experience and expertise in law and public service. As Acting Chairman, she is expected to provide leadership and stability to the commission during this critical period
