“Why I took the exit as INEC Chairman” Prof. MAHMOOD YAKUBU speaks

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said he handed over the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pave the way for the appointment of a new chairman.

Yakubu handed over to a national commissioner, Ms May Agbamuche-Mbu, as acting INEC Chairman.

He said his decision was to allow the new INEC chairman to quickly settle down to the task of conducting elections and electoral activities.

He explained that he was aware of the enormity of the challenges ahead, having gained almost ten years of experience in the same position.

Yakubu explained that his decision is in line with Section 36, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

“In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior national commissioners by date of appointment.

“Following consultation with other national commissioners, Ms May Agbamuchembu will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman of the commission.

“I hope that this will afford the appointing authorities adequate time to appoint a new chairman.

“It will also enable the new chairman to quickly settle down to the task of conducting elections and electoral activities in Africa’s most demographically and logistically complex environment.’’

Recall that Yakubu unveiled Agbamuche as the acting national chair of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Yakubu, who took office in 2015, announced his decision on Tuesday, October 7, during INEC's meeting with resident electoral commissioners in Abuja.

The development with the electoral commission marked the end of an era defined by some reforms and controversies in Nigeria’s election process.

In a previous story, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is considering appointing a new chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The new chairman is to succeed Professor Yakubu, who has served almost out his two terms of 10 years.

A highly placed presidency source has mentioned and confirmed the name of a law professor as the likely replacement for Yakubu.