The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced May Agbamuche as the Acting National Chairman following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s completion of his two-term, 10-year tenure. The change in leadership marks a new chapter for Nigeria’s electoral body as the nation awaits President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of a substantive chairman.
Yakubu Hands Over Leadership to Agbamuche
Professor Mahmood Yakubu officially handed over to May Agbamuche on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
He said, “I solicit the support of all commissioners and directors for Agbamuche until a substantive chairman is appointed.”
Agbamuche, the oldest serving National Commissioner at INEC, will lead the commission in an acting capacity pending a formal appointment by the President and confirmation by the Senate.
Yakubu Ends Historic Two-Term Leadership at INEC
Yakubu’s exit concludes a decade of leadership that began in November 2015 when he was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari. His reappointment in 2020 made him the first person in Nigeria’s history to serve two consecutive terms as INEC chairman.
During his tenure, INEC conducted several landmark elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections, as well as numerous off-cycle polls across states.
Tinubu Expected to Name New INEC Chairman
President Bola Tinubu is expected to announce Yakubu’s successor soon. The new appointment will require confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
Political observers say the appointment will be crucial in shaping Nigeria’s electoral reforms and maintaining public confidence in the commission.
A Decade of Electoral Reforms and Challenges
Under Yakubu’s leadership, INEC introduced innovations like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improved electronic transmission of results.
However, his tenure also faced criticism over logistics challenges and post-election controversies.
Despite the mixed reactions, Yakubu’s time at INEC remains one of the most eventful in Nigeria’s democratic history.
With May Agbamuche now leading as Acting INEC Chairman, Nigeria’s electoral process enters a transition phase. All eyes are on President Tinubu to appoint a substantive INEC chairman who will continue the drive for credible, transparent, and technology-driven elections.
