Mahmood Yakubu Opens Up: Why I Walked Away From INEC Leadership

The outgoing Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has explained that he decided to step down to allow for the appointment of a new leader to steer Nigeria’s electoral body.

Yakubu officially handed over on Tuesday to National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, who now assumes office as Acting Chairman of INEC. The brief handover ceremony took place at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja during a consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.

Addressing the gathering, Yakubu said the decision to step aside was necessary given the immense tasks ahead for INEC, especially as the country prepares for upcoming elections.

“I have taken this decision and conveyed it as provided under Section 36, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended,” he said.

“In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior national commissioners by date of appointment. Following consultation with other commissioners, Ms. May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman. I hope this will give the appointing authorities ample time to select a new chairman and allow the new leader to quickly settle into the task of conducting elections in Africa’s most demographically and logistically complex environment.”

Reflecting on his 10-year tenure, Yakubu expressed gratitude to members of the commission, Resident Electoral Commissioners, political parties, the media, security agencies, and Nigerians for their support.

“Together, we innovated and managed the commission’s enormous responsibilities, sometimes on the verge of breaking down,” he recalled.

He also thanked the National Assembly, the National Peace Committee, civil society, labour unions, and development partners. “Above all, I thank Nigerians for their feedback and criticisms, which encouraged us to persevere rather than discouraged us,” he added.

Highlighting achievements during his tenure, Yakubu cited reforms such as consolidating the biometric voter register and digitising many INEC processes, including candidate nomination, observer and journalist accreditation, submission of party agents, voter accreditation, and results management.

He also noted the introduction of technology for collation management, virtual staff training, monitoring of party finances, and the use of the Election Monitoring and Support Centre.

While progress has been made, Yakubu acknowledged that strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system remains an ongoing challenge. Preparations are already underway for the November Anambra governorship election, the FCT Area Council election, and the 2026 Ekiti and Osun polls.

He further revealed that groundwork for the 2027 general elections has begun, pending the passage of a new Electoral Act. “The bill is currently before the National Assembly, and its reforms will require updates to our regulations, guidelines, and election manuals,” he said.

Yakubu also highlighted the logistical complexities of elections, including cleaning the voter register, reviewing polling unit locations, managing party primaries, and coordinating the production and transportation of vast election materials by road, air, and sea.

In her remarks, Acting INEC Chairman May Agbamuche-Mbu commended Yakubu for his accomplishments and leadership. “We acknowledge the significant contributions and achievements made by Yakubu during his tenure, particularly his dedication and service to our country. We wish him God’s guidance in all future endeavours,” she said.

Agbamuche-Mbu assured Yakubu that the commission would uphold the high standards he set. “I pledge to maintain the integrity of the commission and work with professionalism, dedication, and unity with the honourable commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, directors, and all staff of INEC nationwide,” she added.

She also vowed to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the continued success and growth of the commission.