…Presents two new books on election management and innovations in electoral technology
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday announced his decision to step down from office after ten years of service, handing over to National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive successor.
Yakubu made the announcement during the third regular quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Citing Section 306 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Yakubu said the decision was formally communicated as required by law, noting that the transition would afford the appointing authorities sufficient time to name a new Chairman ahead of critical upcoming elections
“Knowing the enormity of the challenges ahead and having been privileged to serve the Commission for ten years with only a few more weeks to serve, I have taken a decision and conveyed same as provided by the Constitution. In the interim, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in an acting capacity,” he said.
The outgoing Chairman thanked members of the Commission, RECs, staff, security agencies, political parties, the National Peace Committee, development partners, civil society, and the media for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
He expressed special gratitude to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing corps members as “among the most educated, patriotic, and knowledgeable election officials” he worked with.
Yakubu also reflected on his decade-long stewardship, highlighting major milestones including the consolidation of the biometric voter register, digitization of key election processes, the introduction of new technologies for accreditation, result management, and monitoring through the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC).
“We have achieved a lot in responding to challenges and introducing many innovations. Indeed, we have made tremendous progress, but a lot more needs to be done,” he stated.
The INEC boss used the occasion to present two publications chronicling his tenure:
- Election Management in Nigeria, 2015–2025 — a compendium of the Commission’s activities over the past decade.
- Innovations in Electoral Technology, 2015–2025 — detailing the technological advancements introduced during the same period.
According to Yakubu, both books have been uploaded to the Commission’s website for public access.
He reaffirmed INEC’s ongoing preparations for several upcoming polls, including the Anambra Governorship election in November 2025, the FCT Area Council elections in February 2026, Ekiti in June 2026, and Osun in August 2026, as well as preliminary work for the 2027 general elections.
He also stressed the need for continued improvement of the voter register, review of polling unit allocations, management of party primaries, and logistics planning in light of security and environmental challenges.
“May God continue to bless our country and its democracy,” he concluded.
