INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Steps Down After a Decade of Service

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Steps Down After a Decade of Service

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has officially stepped down from his position after serving two consecutive terms. In a significant transition, National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu will take over as Acting Chairman, pending the appointment of a substantive successor by President Bola Tinubu During his tenure, Yakubu oversaw significant electoral reforms and technological advancements, including .
Consolidation of the biometric voter register to enhance the integrity of the electoral process.
Introduction of digital platforms for nomination of candidates, accreditation, result management, and monitoring through the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC). Development of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

As INEC prepares for several major elections, including the Anambra governorship election in November 2025, FCT Area Council elections in February 2026, and the Ekiti and Osun governorship contests later in 2026, the commission faces significant challenges .
Ensuring the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
Further cleaning up the voters’ register and reviewing polling unit allocations.
– *Logistical Planning*: Managing the logistics of elections, including procurement, production, and transportation of materials.

Yakubu’s decision to step down allows for a smooth transition and enables the new chairman to settle into the role ahead of the critical elections. Agbamuche-Mbu has pledged to uphold the commission’s integrity and maintain the standards set under Yakubu’s leadership .