ABUJA, NIGERIA—The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has entered a new phase of leadership following the resignation of its highly respected Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The development, announced on Tuesday during a crucial meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, sees Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, take the reins as the Acting Chairman.
Professor Yakubu, whose tenure began in 2015, confirmed his decision was guided by constitutional provisions to ensure the seamless operation of the commission as it heads into a busy electoral season. Citing Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, the outgoing Chairman emphasized the need for a non-disruptive handover process while awaiting the confirmation of a substantive leader.
Yakubu’s era has been widely characterized by major reforms and digital innovations aimed at boosting the transparency and efficiency of Nigeria’s election processes. His departure marks the end of a pivotal period that redefined the commission’s operational standards.
Profile: May Agbamuche-Mbu—The Legal Eagle Taking Charge
Following a consensus among the National Commissioners, the mantle of leadership now rests temporarily on the shoulders of Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu. She steps into this crucial role with a deep reservoir of experience and a distinguished track record.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu is a seasoned legal practitioner with over three decades of professional experience spanning the public and private sectors both in Nigeria and abroad. Her legal foundation is robust, having earned an LLB in Law from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (then University of Ife) in 1984, before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.
Her international legal credentials are a hallmark of her career; she is also a qualified Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. She further cemented her expertise with advanced degrees, including an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, and two additional postgraduate degrees focusing on International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu’s background in legal journalism and dispute resolution positions her uniquely for the sensitive nature of her new role. She is an expert in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and a respected member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch, reflecting her reputation for fairness and conflict management—essential qualities for managing a polarized political environment.
Before her role as a long-serving National Commissioner at INEC, she made significant contributions to national policy and legal discourse:
- Legal Journalism: She served as the Editor of THISDAY LAWYER, the influential legal pullout of ThisDay Newspaper, and authored over 120 legal editorials in her widely read “LEGAL EAGLE” column from 2014 to 2016.
- National Committees: She was the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC) between 2010 and 2011, and later joined the Ministerial Committee that drafted the Road Map for Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector in 2016.
- Private Practice: She was the Managing Partner of her own thriving law firm, Norfolk Partners, Lagos.
While her roots are in Delta State, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu was born and raised in Kano, where she attended St. Louis Secondary School, giving her a broad perspective on Nigeria’s diverse political landscape.
Her appointment as Acting Chairman signals a commitment to maintaining intellect, integrity, and transparency at the commission during a critical transition period. Her deep experience in law and public service is expected to guarantee continuity as INEC prepares to uphold the integrity of upcoming elections.
