INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Steps Down

Professor Mahmood Yakubu has stepped down as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), handing over to National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu as Acting Chairman. This decision comes nearly a month before the end of his tenure, with Yakubu citing the need for a seamless transition ahead of crucial elections .

Consolidated the biometric register of voters.
Replaced manual processes with digital platforms for nomination of candidates, accreditation, and result management.

Introduced new systems for polling and collation agents, observer accreditation, and media coverage.

Oversaw two general elections (2019 and 2023) and several off-cycle governorship elections .

The handover ceremony took place during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner, will lead the commission in an acting capacity until a new chairman is appointed and confirmed by the Senate .

Yakubu highlighted the commission’s preparations for several major elections, including

Scheduled for next month.
FCT Area Council Elections: Set for February 2026.
Ekiti and Osun Governorship Contests: Planned for later in 2026.
2027 General Elections:Early groundwork has already begun.

In his farewell speech, Yakubu expressed gratitude to INEC staff, RECs, and stakeholders for their support during his tenure. He also unveiled two publications documenting the commission’s work: “Election Management in Nigeria 2015-2025” and “Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015-2025” .