By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Agbamuche-Mbu Takes Over as Acting INEC Chairman in Nigeria
A new phase has begun at Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as May Agbamuche-Mbu formally assumes office as Acting Chairman, following the handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The transition took place on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Professor Yakubu, who has led INEC since 2015, urged the commissioners and directors to give Agbamuche-Mbu their full support as she steers the affairs of the electoral body pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.
Agbamuche-Mbu, the longest-serving National Commissioner in INEC, has earned recognition for her professionalism and legal expertise.
Her appointment marks the beginning of a new leadership phase as the commission prepares for upcoming off-cycle elections across several Nigerian states.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, oversaw significant reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system during his decade-long tenure.
His leadership introduced technological innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), both designed to enhance transparency and public confidence in elections.
May Agbamuche-Mbu, who hails from Delta State, joined INEC as a National Commissioner in 2016.
A lawyer by profession and former member of the Nigerian Bar Association’s National Executive Committee, she has been actively involved in strengthening electoral processes, promoting gender inclusion, and advancing voter education initiatives.
Her emergence as Acting Chairman comes at a crucial time for Nigeria’s electoral body as it continues preparations for upcoming elections and works to consolidate the progress made under Yakubu’s leadership.
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