Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has entered a transition phase following the formal handover of leadership by Professor Mahmood Yakubu to May Agbamuche, the most senior National Commissioner.
This development was announced on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during an official meeting with the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioners at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Agbamuche becomes acting INEC chair
May Agbamuche’s appointment as the Acting National Chairman of INEC is a significant moment for the electoral body. A lawyer and former Editor of the Guardian on Sunday, Agbamuche has been a member of the commission since 2016 and is currently its most senior serving commissioner.
Her elevation aligns with INEC’s tradition of seniority-based succession in the absence of a substantive chairman.
Yakubu steps aside after two terms
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who had led INEC since 2015, is stepping aside after serving two full terms. During his tenure, he oversaw two general elections (2019 and 2023), both of which attracted scrutiny, reforms, and debate across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
Although not all electoral processes under his leadership were without controversy, Yakubu is credited with digitising key elements of the electoral process and introducing innovations like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
A call for continued support and stability
In his final address as chairman, Professor Yakubu urged commissioners and INEC directors to support Agbamuche during the interim period.
“I urge everyone to extend full cooperation to Acting Chairman Agbamuche until a substantive chairman is appointed. Institutional continuity is essential for democratic stability,” Yakubu said.
The statement underlined the importance of internal cohesion within INEC as the nation approaches off-cycle governorship elections in 2026 and general elections in 2027.
What to expect under Agbamuche
While Agbamuche’s role as acting chairman is temporary, observers are keen to see how she will navigate key administrative tasks during her tenure.
Under her leadership, INEC will likely continue to prioritise electoral credibility, voter education, and electoral technology. She may also have to make early preparations for major elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo States.
Awaiting a presidential nomination
By law, the President of Nigeria is expected to nominate a new INEC chairman, subject to Senate confirmation. As of now, no timeline has been given for the announcement.
Political stakeholders and civil society groups are expected to closely monitor this process, given INEC’s crucial role in democratic governance.
Conclusion
With May Agbamuche at the helm in an acting capacity, INEC enters a transitional but critical period. The commission’s ability to maintain operational efficiency, institutional independence, and electoral credibility will be tested in the months ahead.
