President Bola Tinubu has accepted the departure of Mahmood Yakubu as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the completion of his second term in office.
Mr Yakubu, who was first appointed in November 2015 and reappointed in 2020, concluded his tenure after nearly a decade in charge of the commission.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended Yakubu for his service to the nation and his role in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic process through the conduct of elections during his two terms.
The president also conferred on Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his service.
Tinubu further directed Yakubu to hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will oversee the affairs of INEC until a substantive chairman is appointed.
In his response contained in a letter dated October 3, Yakubu expressed appreciation to the president for the opportunity to serve as INEC chairman since 2015.
