Professor Mahmood Yakubu Hands Over to May Agbamuche as Acting INEC Chairman
Professor Mahmood Yakubu Hands Over to May Agbamuche as Acting INEC Chairman
Professor Mahmood Yakubu Hands Over to May Agbamuche as Acting INEC Chairman
In a significant leadership transition, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has officially handed over to National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as the Acting National Chairman of the electoral body.
The handover ceremony, which took place at INEC headquarters in Abuja, marks the end of Yakubu’s tenure after years of overseeing Nigeria’s electoral processes. His leadership spanned two general election cycles, including the 2019 and 2023 polls, with notable reforms in voter registration, technology adoption, and the controversial introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who hails from Delta State, has been with INEC since 2016 as a National Commissioner representing Cross River State. With a background in law and extensive experience in electoral administration, she is expected to bring continuity and stability as the commission prepares for upcoming governorship elections and other off-cycle polls.
In his farewell remarks, Prof. Yakubu thanked Nigerians, political stakeholders, and INEC staff for their cooperation during his time in office. He noted the challenges of conducting elections in a complex political environment like Nigeria but expressed optimism about the future of the country’s democracy.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, in her acceptance speech, pledged to uphold the independence of INEC and ensure free, fair, and credible elections. She assured Nigerians that the commission remains committed to transparency, electoral integrity, and the use of technology to strengthen the electoral process.
The change of leadership comes at a time when Nigeria’s democracy faces increasing scrutiny, with calls for deeper reforms to address voter apathy, electoral violence, and litigations arising from election outcomes. Analysts believe the new Acting Chairman must immediately focus on consolidating electoral gains and addressing the credibility challenges that have trailed recent polls.
As Nigerians look forward to the future of the electoral body, the appointment of May Agbamuche-Mbu as Acting INEC Chairman is seen as a pivotal moment that could shape the direction of Nigeria’s democracy in the years to come.
