Yakubu Bows Out After Decade at INEC Helm, Agbamuche-Mbu Takes Over as Acting Chair

Yakubu Bows Out After Decade at INEC Helm, Agbamuche-Mbu Takes Over as Acting Chair

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday officially bowed out after completing his constitutionally permitted second and final five-year term, marking the end of a decade-long tenure that transformed Nigeria’s electoral process through technology and institutional reforms.

Taking over the reins of the Commission in an acting capacity is National Commissioner and Chairperson of the Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a seasoned legal practitioner and one of the longest-serving members of the Commission.

Yakubu made the announcement during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, where he delivered a reflective and emotional farewell speech, thanking staff and stakeholders for their support.

“Having been privileged to serve the Commission for ten years, I have taken a position to step aside as provided by Section 306 of the Constitution. In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior National Commissioners by date of appointment, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman,” Yakubu said.

In his address, the outgoing INEC Chairman outlined the progress made by the Commission under his leadership, highlighting significant innovations that reshaped Nigeria’s electoral system.

“Over the years, we achieved a lot in responding to challenges and pioneering many innovations. We have consolidated the biometric register of voters and replaced many of our manual processes with digital platforms, from candidate nomination to voter accreditation and result management,” he said.

He noted that under his watch, INEC introduced technologies that enhanced transparency and efficiency, including the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal.

He also reflected on the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which, according to him, has already recorded 6.8 million online registrations and 1.2 million completed physical registrations since its commencement seven weeks ago.

“The exercise will continue until August 2026, when it will be suspended not later than 90 days before the next general election,” he said, adding that the Commission’s preparations were already underway for several off-cycle elections in Anambra, the FCT, Ekiti, and Osun States before the 2027 general elections.

Prof. Yakubu also used the occasion to unveil two books chronicling his decade-long stewardship: “Election Management in a Decade: 2015–2025” and “Innovations in Electoral Technology: 2015–2025”, both documenting INEC’s reforms, innovations, and operational milestones under his leadership.

He extended heartfelt appreciation to various stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, political parties, civil society groups, the media, development partners, and especially the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

“Without the NYSC, managing elections at the polling unit level would be a nightmare. Young Nigerians serving in the Corps have proven to be among the most patriotic and knowledgeable election officials I have worked with,” Yakubu remarked.

Prof. Yakubu, who first assumed office in November 2015 and was reappointed in 2020, became the first INEC Chairman to serve two full terms since 1999. His tenure was marked by sweeping electoral reforms, expansion of polling units, and improved transparency in vote collation and transmission.

Born in Bauchi State, Yakubu holds a First-Class degree in History from the University of Sokoto (now Usmanu Danfodiyo University), a Master’s in International Relations from Cambridge, and a Doctorate in Nigerian History from Oxford University, achievements made possible through scholarships from Bauchi State and the Commonwealth.

As he bowed out, Yakubu left Nigerians with a message of hope and continuity.

“We have made tremendous progress, but a lot more needs to be done. I trust that under the capable leadership of Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu and with the support of Nigerians, INEC will continue to improve our elections and strengthen democracy in our country.”

With his departure, attention now turns to President Bola Tinubu, who is expected to nominate a substantive chairman to steer INEC through the next phase of electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.