Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has resigned from his position.
Following his resignation, the most senior National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, has assumed office as Acting Chairman of the Commission.
Professor Yakubu announced his resignation on Tuesday during INEC’s quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.
Citing Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, he explained that his decision was aimed at ensuring a smooth leadership transition as the Commission prepares for a busy electoral calendar.
In his farewell remarks, Yakubu reflected on his decade-long tenure, highlighting key achievements such as INEC’s digital transformation — including biometric voter registration, electronic result transmission, and online nomination and monitoring systems.
“Together, we built a foundation for credible elections in Africa’s largest democracy,” he said.
The outgoing INEC Chairman expressed appreciation to political parties, the National Peace Committee, civil society organizations, security agencies, the media, and particularly members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whom he described as “the most patriotic election officials.”
