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By Tracy Moses
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has officially stepped down after a decade of steering Nigeria’s electoral body, bringing to a close a remarkable era defined by innovation, transparency, and institutional transformation.
Yakubu announced his resignation during the third regular quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for 2025, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Welcoming participants to what he described as his final quarterly meeting as INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu expressed profound gratitude to the commissioners and staff for their unwavering support throughout his tenure. The meeting coincided with the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which commenced seven weeks ago.
According to updated figures shared by the Commission, 6.8 million Nigerians have so far initiated their registration online, while 1.2 million have completed the process physically at designated centres.
The INEC boss explained that the CVR would continue until August 2026, when it will be suspended in accordance with the law, no later than 90 days before the next general election.
Yakubu also outlined the Commission’s preparations for a series of crucial elections, including the Anambra State governorship poll slated for next month, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections in February 2026, the Ekiti governorship election in June 2026, and the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 2026.
He disclosed that preliminary groundwork for the 2027 general elections had already begun, pending the passage of a new Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly. The expected legislative changes, he added, would necessitate revisions to INEC’s regulations, guidelines, and election manuals.
Reflecting on his ten years in office, Prof. Yakubu highlighted the Commission’s sweeping digital transformation under his leadership. These include the consolidation of the biometric voter register and the replacement of many manual procedures with technology-driven platforms.
Notable innovations, he said, include digital tools for candidate nomination, accreditation of observers and media personnel, submission of polling and collation agents, voter accreditation, and result transmission. Other advancements, supported by development partners, enhanced collation management, election monitoring, and training of electoral staff.
“The Commission has recorded significant achievements,” Yakubu stated. “However, there is still work to be done, particularly in sanitising the voter register, relocating polling units where necessary, and improving election arrangements for internally displaced persons (IDPs).”
Citing Section 306(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Yakubu formally announced his resignation. Following consultations with fellow commissioners, he revealed that Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner by date of appointment, will assume office as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive successor.
“This transition will provide sufficient time for the appointing authorities to name a new chairman and ensure continuity as the Commission prepares for upcoming elections,” he explained.
Prof. Yakubu extended heartfelt appreciation to the 24 National Commissioners and 67 Resident Electoral Commissioners he worked with since 2015, as well as the Commission’s staff nationwide. He also thanked the National Assembly, political parties, the National Peace Committee led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (GCFR), civil society organisations, the media, labour unions, security agencies, and development partners for their collaboration.
He reserved special commendation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing corps members as “the most patriotic, educated, and committed election workers.” He also acknowledged his family for their patience and understanding throughout his service.
“Public feedback, both criticism and commendation, fueled our resolve rather than dampened our spirits,” he remarked. “Together, we laid a stronger foundation for credible elections in Africa’s largest democracy.”
To mark the end of his tenure, Prof. Yakubu unveiled two landmark publications documenting his stewardship: Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025, a comprehensive record of INEC’s activities over the past decade, and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025, an in-depth report on technological advancements during his leadership.
Both publications, he announced, are now available on the Commission’s website.
In his closing remarks, Yakubu prayed for Nigeria’s continued democratic consolidation and formally handed over leadership responsibilities and transition documents to Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu.
“With your permission,” he said with a smile, “I invite you all to join me for a farewell photograph. From this moment, the Acting Chairman will preside over this meeting.”
Prof. Yakubu’s exit marks the end of a transformative chapter in Nigeria’s electoral journey, one defined by innovation, transparency, and an enduring commitment to strengthening democracy.