By Abiola Olawale
Professor Mahmood Yakubu has bowed out as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Yakubu has also officially handed over leadership to National Commissioner May Agbamuche as Acting Chairman on Tuesday.
The changeover, announced during an ongoing meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, marks the end of Yakubu’s decade-long tenure and sets the stage for fresh leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Recall that Mahmood was appointed to office by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015, succeeding acting chairperson Amina Zakari.
In his speech, Professor Mahmood urged commissioners and directors of the commission to extend their full support to Agbamuche until a substantive chairman is appointed.
While Agbamuche’s acting tenure is set to kick off, The New Diplomat reports that all eyes are on the selection of Yakubu’s permanent successor.
By law, the INEC Chairman serves a single renewable five-year term, with the President nominating candidates for Senate confirmation following consultations with the Council of State.
The New Diplomat also gathered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already ordered security vetting of potential nominees, with reports indicating interviews for shortlisted individuals from underrepresented regions like the South West or North Central.
