Key Points

• Yakubu steps down INEC after a decade of reforms.

• He says the move ensures leadership continuity and stability.

• Agbamuche-Mbu takes over as acting INEC chair.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says he decided to step down to make room for new leadership ahead of the next general elections.

Yakubu announced his decision on Tuesday during a handover ceremony at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja.

He handed over to Ms. May Agbamuche-Mbu, one of the commission’s national commissioners, who will serve as acting chairman until a substantive replacement is appointed.

He explained that stepping aside would allow his successor to settle in quickly and prepare for the challenging task of managing elections in Nigeria’s large and complex democracy.

“I have taken a decision and conveyed it as provided by the Constitution,” Yakubu said.

“After consulting with other commissioners, Ms. Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in acting capacity until a new chairman is appointed.”

Reflecting on a Decade of Service

Yakubu said leading INEC for 10 years was a great privilege, one that came with both challenges and achievements.

He thanked the commission’s staff, national commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for their teamwork and commitment.

“Together, we carried out our duties despite enormous pressure,” he said. “At times, we were stretched to the limit, but we never gave up.”

Yakubu highlighted some of INEC’s major accomplishments under his leadership, including the introduction of digital systems for candidate nominations, observer accreditation, voter registration, and election result management.

He noted that these innovations reduced manual processes and made Nigeria’s elections more transparent and credible.

Preparing for the 2027 Elections

Even as he bows out, Yakubu said INEC is already working on key upcoming polls, including the Anambra governorship election in November, the FCT Area Council election, and the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections in 2026.

He added that preparations for the 2027 general elections have also begun, though the process depends on the passage of a new Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly.

“The expected reforms will require another review of our regulations, guidelines, and manuals,” he said. “We must also clean up the voter register and review polling unit locations.”

He said managing political party primaries and logistics for the elections would also be a massive task, noting that in 2023, INEC processed nominations for over 20,000 candidates.

Agbamuche-Mbu Promises to Continue His Legacy

After taking over, Acting INEC Chair May Agbamuche-Mbu praised Yakubu for his dedication and reforms, promising to maintain the standards he set.

“We acknowledge the significant contributions made by Prof. Yakubu during his tenure,” she said. “We will continue to uphold integrity and professionalism in all we do.”

She also promised to work closely with commissioners, RECs, and other stakeholders to strengthen the electoral system.

A Legacy of Innovation and Reform

The ceremony ended with the presentation of two books documenting INEC’s work during Yakubu’s leadership: “Election Management in Nigeria (2015–2025)” and “Electoral Technology (2015–2025).”

Yakubu, after signing the official handover notes, thanked Nigerians for their support and constructive criticism over the years.

“Your comments and even your criticisms encouraged us to do better,” he said. “We’ve made progress, but there’s still much to be done.”