In a significant leadership transition at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu on Tuesday officially handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu as the Acting National Chairman of the Commission.

Agbamuche-Mbu, the longest-serving National Commissioner at INEC, assumes the role pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

Yakubu announced the handover during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Addressing the gathering, the outgoing INEC boss expressed confidence in Agbamuche-Mbu’s capacity to steer the affairs of the Commission effectively, urging senior officials and directors to extend their full cooperation to her.

He said, “I have absolute confidence in her ability to sustain the integrity and professionalism that INEC stands for. I call on all commissioners and directors to give her maximum support as she oversees the Commission’s activities.”

Agbamuche-Mbu, a lawyer and seasoned administrator, joined INEC as a National Commissioner in 2016. Her tenure has seen her play key roles in election planning, legal reforms, and stakeholder engagement.

Her assumption of office comes as the Commission prepares for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ondo and Edo States, as well as ongoing voter registration exercises across the country.

With her appointment, Agbamuche-Mbu becomes the first woman to head INEC in an acting capacity in recent history.