Outgoing chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mahmood Yakubu has said his decision to leave office was to allow the appointment of a new head to lead the electoral body ahead of upcoming elections.
Mr Yakubu formally handed over on Tuesday to national commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, who has been appointed acting chairman of INEC.
The handover took place at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja during a consultative meeting with resident electoral commissioners.
Speaking at the event, Yakubu said his decision to step aside was in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and necessary to ensure a smooth transition before the appointment of a substantive chairman.
He added that the move would help the new leadership prepare for fresh electoral activities.
“I have taken a decision and conveyed the same as provided by Section 36, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Constitution,” he said. “In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior national commissioners by date of appointment, Ms May Agbamuche-Mbu, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.”
Yakubu, who served as INEC chairman for 10 years, expressed gratitude to members of the commission, political parties, civil society groups, security agencies, and Nigerians for their support.
He highlighted reforms introduced under his leadership, including the digitisation of electoral processes, biometric voter registration, online accreditation systems and enhanced result management tools.
He said preparations were underway for the Anambra governorship election in November, the FCT Area Council election and the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls scheduled for 2026.
He added that groundwork had also begun for the 2027 general elections.
Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu, in her response, commended Yakubu for his contributions to the commission and pledged to uphold the standards he set.
She assured stakeholders that INEC would continue to operate with professionalism and integrity.
