President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the expiration of his second term in office.
Yakubu, who first assumed office in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission, completed his renewed tenure that began in 2020.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Professor Yakubu for his “dedicated service to the nation and commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy,” particularly through the conduct of free and fair elections during his tenure.
In recognition of his contributions, the President conferred on Professor Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The President also directed that the most senior National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, assume leadership of the commission in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.
In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the privilege to serve the nation in the capacity of INEC Chairman since 2015.
