Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday announced his resignation, paving the way for National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, the commission’s most senior member, to assume office in an acting capacity pending a substantive appointment.

Yakubu disclosed his decision during INEC’s quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, describing it as his “last as chairman.” Citing Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, he said the step was intended to ensure a smooth handover as the commission enters a crowded electoral cycle. The National Commissioners reached a consensus on Agbamuche-Mbu’s interim leadership.

In a valedictory address, Yakubu reviewed his 2015–2025 stewardship, highlighting the commission’s digital shift,from biometric voter registration and electronic results transmission to online nomination and monitoring platforms.

“Together, we built a foundation for credible elections in Africa’s largest democracy,” he said, acknowledging the support of political parties, the National Peace Committee, civil society groups, security agencies, the media, and especially NYSC corps members, whom he called “the most patriotic election officials.”

He also unveiled two retrospective publications—“Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025” and “Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025”—now hosted on INEC’s website.

Yakubu departs with key polls on the horizon, including next month’s Anambra governorship election, the FCT Area Council vote in February 2026, and the Ekiti and Osun governorship contests later that year. He added that groundwork for the 2027 general elections is already underway. The session ended with a brief photo op before he formally handed over to Agbamuche-Mbu.