President Bola Tinubu has accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the conclusion of his second term in office.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that Yakubu handed over Mary Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior member, to serve as acting chairman pending a substantive appointment.
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Yakubu, who served as the 14th chairman of the electoral body, was first appointed in November 2015 for an initial five-year tenure, which was subsequently renewed in 2020.
With the expiration of the renewed term, the President acknowledged the end of his service.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu extended his gratitude to Yakubu for his commitment to the nation and his efforts to maintain Nigeria’s democracy.
The President particularly commended the former chairman for organising “free and fair elections” during his two tenures.
In recognition of his distinguished national service, Tinubu conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Yakubu.
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Furthermore, the President said Magbamuche-Mbu will hold the position of acting chairman until the process for appointing a new substantive chairman is finalised.
