Mahmood Yakubu
By Olayiwola Mercy
President Bola Tinubu has accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the expiration of his second term in office. In recognition of Yakubu’s dedicated service to the nation, Tinubu has conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). This honour is a testament to Yakubu’s efforts in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organization of free and fair elections during his decade-long leadership of INEC.
Yakubu was first appointed as INEC Chairman in November 2015 and served two consecutive terms after his reappointment in 2020. Throughout his tenure, he oversaw several general elections, including the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections. Tinubu thanked Yakubu for his services to the nation, acknowledging his contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
In his letter dated October 3, 2025, Yakubu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve Nigeria since 2015. Tinubu directed that Yakubu hand over the affairs of the Commission to the most senior National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Chairman. Agbamuche-Mbu will direct the affairs of the commission until the completion of the process to appoint a successor.
The President’s acceptance of Yakubu’s departure marks the end of an era in INEC’s history, with Yakubu’s leadership playing a significant role in shaping the country’s electoral process. His exit is seen as a culmination of his dedication to democratic development in Nigeria, and his legacy is expected to have a lasting impact on the nation’s electoral commission .
