After a decade at the helm of Nigeria’s electoral body, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has stepped down as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Yakubu, who first assumed office in 2015, announced his resignation on Tuesday during the commission’s quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja. This session he described as his “last as chairman.”
Invoking Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, he explained that the decision was to ensure a seamless transition as INEC enters a demanding election cycle. By consensus of the national commissioners, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior member, will serve as acting chairman pending a substantive appointment.
Reflecting on his tenure, Yakubu highlighted key reforms that redefined election administration in Nigeria. From biometric voter registration and online candidate nomination to the electronic transmission of results, he said INEC had achieved “a foundation for credible elections in Africa’s largest democracy.”
He expressed appreciation to political parties, the National Peace Committee, civil society groups, security agencies, the media, and especially National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, whom he called “the most patriotic election officials.”
As part of his valedictory presentation, Yakubu unveiled two new INEC publications namely “Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025” and “Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.”
His resignation comes ahead of a packed electoral calendar, including the Anambra governorship election next month, the FCT Area Council polls in February 2026, and governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun later that year. He also disclosed that groundwork for the 2027 general elections has already commenced.
The outgoing chairman rounded off the event on a lighter note, inviting commissioners for a farewell photograph before officially handing over to Agbamuche-Mbu.
