INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Steps Down, Hands Over to May Agbamuche-Mbu | The Bureau News
By Queen Madaki, Abuja
The Bureau News reports that Professor Mahmood Yakubu has stepped down as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), paving the way for the appointment of a new leadership to guide Nigeria’s electoral body ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yakubu announced his decision on Tuesday during INEC’s regular consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The brief handover ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibilities to Ms May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner who will now serve as Acting Chairman.
Yakubu Cites Need for Smooth Transition
Explaining his decision, Yakubu said his exit was guided by Section 36, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides for voluntary resignation from public office.
“I have taken a decision and conveyed the same as provided by Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution. Following consultation with other national commissioners, Ms May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman,” Yakubu said.
He noted that stepping down would enable his successor to settle into the enormous responsibilities of overseeing elections in Africa’s most demographically and logistically complex democracy.
Reflecting on Ten Years of Electoral Reforms
Having served as INEC Chairman for a decade, Yakubu reflected on key achievements under his watch — including the full digital transformation of many electoral processes, the consolidation of the biometric register of voters, and the introduction of technology-driven systems for accreditation, results management, and candidate nominations.
He credited INEC’s progress to collaboration with civil society, the media, security agencies, political parties, and development partners. Yakubu also expressed gratitude to Nigerians whose feedback, he said, “encouraged rather than discouraged us to persevere.”
“Together, we innovated and managed enormous responsibilities, sometimes on the verge of breaking down,” he added, commending RECs and national commissioners for their dedication.
Acting Chairman Agbamuche-Mbu Pledges Continuity and Integrity
In her response, Acting INEC Chairman May Agbamuche-Mbu commended Yakubu’s tenure, describing him as a reformer who set new benchmarks for election management in Nigeria.
“We acknowledge the significant contributions made by Professor Yakubu. We pledge to uphold the integrity of the commission and continue working with professionalism and unity,” she said.
She assured that the commission would continue preparations for upcoming off-cycle elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States in 2026, while sustaining groundwork for the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s Next Steps and Economic Context
Under its transition plan, INEC will continue reviewing polling unit distributions, voter register updates, and logistics frameworks. Officials also await the passage of the new Electoral Act before implementing regulatory reforms.
Meanwhile, The Bureau News notes that rising costs of logistics, fuel, and transportation — as seen in foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today and foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today — are expected to influence INEC’s operational expenses for future elections.
Today’s Top Food Prices in Lagos & Abuja — The Bureau News
| Item | Mile 12 (₦) | Wuse Market (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (50kg) | 64,700 | 67,800 |
| Beans (50kg) | 58,000 | 61,000 |
| Garri (50kg) | 23,900 | 24,600 |
| Palm Oil (25L) | 35,200 | 37,100 |
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