A National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), May Agbamuche-Mbu, has assumed the role of Acting Chairman of the Commission. This follows the official transfer of responsibilities from the substantive Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who has commenced his terminal leave ahead of the completion of his tenure.

The development marks a key leadership transition within the electoral body as it continues preparations for upcoming off-cycle elections and institutional reforms. Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, who represents the South-South geopolitical zone, is one of the longest-serving National Commissioners at INEC, bringing extensive administrative and legal experience to her new role.

Professor Yakubu, who has served as INEC Chairman since 2015, is widely credited with introducing several electoral innovations, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), both of which enhanced transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.

With the assumption of office by Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, the Commission is expected to maintain operational stability and continuity in its electoral duties pending the appointment of a substantive Chairman by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.