Mahmood Yakubu Exits INEC Chairmanship, Hands Over to Agbamuche-Mbu

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Mahmood Yakubu, has handed over the position to Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will take over the leadership of the electoral body in an acting capacity.

Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu is the oldest serving National Commissioner of the electoral umpire, and as such is taking over the position in interim.

Mr Yakubu announced his exit from the agency on Tuesday at the ongoing meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

He solicited the support of the commissioners and directors of the commission for Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu, until the appointment of a substantive chairman.

He is leaving office as INEC chairman, having completed his two-term tenure of 10 years, overseeing two presidential elections during his chairmanship.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to appoint his successor soon, subject to a Senate confirmation.

Mr Yakubu was first appointed the INEC chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari to oversee the activities of the electoral umpire in November 2015, six months after he assumed the office as the President.

He completed his first term in office as the electoral body’s chairman in 2020, and was reappointed for a second tenure by President Buhari.

Mr Yakubu’s reappointment by President Buhari made him the first person to serve as INEC chairman for two terms.

He took over from Mr Attahiru Jega, with INEC conducting many elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.