Yakubu bows out of INEC as Agbamuche-Mbu takesover in acting capacity

National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Yakubu yesterday announced that he was proceeding on a one-month terminal leave, preparatory to his final exit next month.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stepped down after ten years of service.
He handed over to INEC National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu being one of the most senior national commissioners, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.
Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner from the Southeast, heads the INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee (LSCCC).
According to Section 154(1) of 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Chairman of INEC ‘shall be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.’”
Also, “Sub-section 3 provides that in exercising his powers to appoint a person as Chairman of INEC, “the President shall consult the Council of State.”
The Council of State, which is made up of the President, former Heads of State, Senate President, House of Representatives Speaker, Chief Justice of the Federation, past Chief Justices of Nigeria and 36 governors, is expected to meet in Abuja tomorrow.
Yakubu, a Professor of Political History and International Studies, and 14th Chief Umpire, succeeded Prof. Attahiru Jega in 2015. He was re-appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term of five years on December 9, 2020.
He announced his stepping down during a meeting with the State Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Yakubu had expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation.
President Tinubu, who accepted his departure, thanked him for his service to the nation and bestowed on him the national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
In a speech laced with emotion, Yakubu, who supervised two presidential elections in 2019 and 2023, thanks National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners and other electoral officers for their dedication, commitment, and hard work during his tenure.