By Amofokhai Williams
After nearly a decade at the helm of Nigeria’s electoral body, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially bowed out as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), bringing to a close a tenure that spanned two presidential election cycles and a series of landmark reforms.
Yakubu, who first assumed office in November 2015 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, handed over the reins to May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner at INEC, during a brief ceremony held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, 7 October 2025.
Speaking at the event, Yakubu expressed gratitude to the commission’s staff, Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), and Nigerians for their support during his time in office, describing his years of service as both challenging and fulfilling.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this great nation through the Independent National Electoral Commission. Together, we have navigated reforms, strengthened our electoral process, and upheld the will of Nigerians through the ballot,” Yakubu said.
“It is now time for me to step aside, confident that the commission will continue to uphold transparency, fairness, and innovation under capable leadership.”
During his tenure, Yakubu supervised two general elections in 2019 and 2023 as well as numerous off-cycle polls.
He was credited with introducing several technological innovations, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), both of which were designed to enhance transparency in the electoral process.
He also oversaw Nigeria’s largest voter registration exercise, which expanded the number of registered voters to over 93 million ahead of the 2023 elections, the highest in Africa.
Despite controversies surrounding logistics, vote transmission, and allegations of irregularities, Yakubu consistently defended the commission’s independence and reforms.
Taking over as acting chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, a lawyer and former publisher, pledged to sustain the integrity of the electoral process and build on Yakubu’s legacy.
“We will continue to strengthen institutional capacity, improve voter education, and maintain public confidence in the electoral process. INEC will remain committed to credible elections,” Agbamuche-Mbu said.
She becomes the second woman to head the commission in acting capacity, following Amina Zakari, who briefly served before Yakubu’s appointment in 2015.
Political analysts say President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to nominate a substantive replacement for Senate confirmation in the coming weeks.
The appointment is anticipated to shape Nigeria’s electoral direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yakubu’s exit marks the end of an era for INEC, one defined by digital reforms, institutional resilience, and the complex balance between innovation and public trust.
