By Orlin Milinov
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday formally stepped down from office after a decade of service, marking the end of a transformative era in Nigeria’s electoral history.
Yakubu, who first assumed leadership of the Commission in 2015, announced his resignation during INEC’s quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held in Abuja, describing the session as his “last as chairman.”
Citing Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, Yakubu said his decision was made to ensure a smooth leadership transition as the Commission prepares for a busy electoral calendar in the months ahead.
By consensus among the National Commissioners, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, has been appointed to serve as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive successor by the President.
A Decade of Electoral Reform
In his farewell address, Professor Yakubu reflected on his ten-year tenure, highlighting key reforms that reshaped Nigeria’s electoral system — from biometric voter registration and electronic result transmission to online nomination and monitoring systems for political parties.
“Together, we built a foundation for credible elections in Africa’s largest democracy,” Yakubu said.
He expressed appreciation to political parties, the National Peace Committee, civil society groups, security agencies, the media, and especially members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whom he described as “the most patriotic election officials.”
Publications on Electoral Innovations
The outgoing INEC boss also unveiled two major publications documenting his administration’s achievements — “Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025” and “Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025” — both now available on INEC’s website.
Transition and Upcoming Elections
Yakubu’s exit comes at a pivotal moment as the Commission prepares for several key polls, including the Anambra governorship election slated for next month, the FCT Area Council elections in February 2026, and the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections later in the year.
He also revealed that preparations for the 2027 general elections have already begun, with INEC building on its technological gains to enhance voter confidence and transparency.
Farewell and Continuity
Ending the meeting on a lighter note, Yakubu invited the Commissioners for a group photograph before officially handing over to Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, who now assumes leadership of the Commission.
His departure marks the close of what many describe as one of the most reform-driven periods in Nigeria’s election management history — a decade defined by transparency, technology, and institutional renewal.
