May Agbamuche-Mbu Takes Over as Acting INEC Chairman

Abuja, October 7, 2025 – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced May Agbamuche-Mbu as its Acting National Chairman following the temporary handover of duties by outgoing chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

Agbamuche-Mbu, who is currently the longest-serving National Commissioner in INEC, officially assumed office on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

During the handover, Professor Yakubu urged staff members, commissioners, and directors to extend their full cooperation to Agbamuche-Mbu as she steers the affairs of the commission until a substantive chairman is appointed.

Born in Kano State to parents from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s background reflects a blend of northern and southern Nigerian heritage. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984 and later became a Solicitor in England and Wales.

She also holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Commercial and Corporate Law, as well as postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.

Before joining INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu managed the Lagos-based law firm Norfolk Partners, where she specialized in corporate law, dispute resolution, and public sector advisory. She also served on several high-profile committees, including the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (2010–2011) and the Ministerial Committee for the Solid Minerals Sector Roadmap (2016).

Her professional career spans over three decades in law, public policy, and governance. Between 2014 and 2016, she was the editor of THISDAY LAWYER, where she produced over 120 editions of the publication and authored the popular “Legal Eagle” column, which explored legal issues and governance reforms.

Agbamuche-Mbu is also a certified arbitrator and has previously served as Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria Branch). Her work in dispute resolution and governance has earned her recognition as one of Nigeria’s leading voices in electoral integrity and rule of law.

Her appointment as Acting Chairman comes at a time when the electoral body is expected to begin preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and long-term planning toward the 2027 general elections.

Observers within the commission have described her as a “firm but fair” administrator with a strong commitment to transparency and institutional reform.

While her appointment is in an acting capacity, political analysts note that her leadership could influence critical decisions on electoral processes, digital infrastructure, and inter-agency coordination ahead of future elections.

As Acting Chairman, Agbamuche-Mbu will oversee INEC’s internal operations, liaise with political stakeholders, and ensure that the commission maintains neutrality and professionalism in all its activities.

She is expected to continue Professor Yakubu’s reform agenda, particularly in areas of electoral technology, voter education, and staff capacity development.

The Presidency has yet to announce when a substantive chairman will be appointed. However, insiders suggest that Agbamuche-Mbu’s wealth of experience and nonpartisan record make her a strong candidate to lead the commission through the transition period.