- National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, don take over as the new Acting Chairman of the Commission.
This one happen after the outgoing Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, officially hand over the office to her on Tuesday for INEC headquarters, Abuja, as e dey go on terminal leave.
Yakubu talk for meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) say e step down based on Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution wey allow such transition.
He talk say, “After ten years for service and with only small time left, I don decide to hand over to one of the most senior national commissioners — May Agbamuche-Mbu — to act as chairman until the government appoint new person.”
Yakubu thank all INEC staff, civil society groups, development partners, and Nigerians for their support during him time for office. He specially hail NYSC members, call dem “the most patriotic and most educated election officials.”
As part of him farewell, Yakubu show two new books wey document INEC work under him: Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.
Before him waka commot, Yakubu list the elections wey INEC don ready for: Anambra governorship election wey go hold next month, FCT Area Council election for February 2026, Ekiti governorship for June 2026, and Osun for August 2026.
He still confirm say INEC don already start early preparation for the 2027 general elections and dey wait for the new Electoral Act wey dey before National Assembly.
Professor Yakubu first enter office for 2015 after appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari, and e later get reappointment for 2020 — making am the first INEC chairman for Nigeria history wey serve two full terms.
As he sign him handover note, Yakubu pray make God bless Nigeria and make democracy continue to grow.
