BREAKING: Agbamuche takes over as Acting INEC Chairman as Mahmood Yakubu bows out after 10 Years

Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially handed over to May Agbamuche as the Acting National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Agbamuche, who is the oldest serving National Commissioner, will oversee the affairs of the commission pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

Yakubu made the announcement on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, where he urged commissioners and directors to give their full support to Agbamuche in her new role.

Professor Yakubu’s exit marks the end of his 10-year tenure as INEC chairman, having completed two consecutive terms. His successor is expected to be appointed soon by President Bola Tinubu, subject to Senate confirmation.

Appointed in November 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Yakubu became the first person to serve two terms as INEC chairman. Under his leadership, the commission conducted several elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general polls.

He succeeded Professor Attahiru Jega and is credited with introducing key reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s electoral process.