Tinubu Honours Outgoing INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu With National Award, Appoints Agbamuche-Mbu As Acting Boss

President Salutes Yakubu’s Decade of Electoral Reforms, Transparency, and Democratic Stewardship

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally accepted the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the end of a historic ten-year tenure that redefined Nigeria’s electoral landscape.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised Yakubu for his “uncommon dedication, integrity, and patriotism,” lauding his pivotal role in sustaining the nation’s democracy through credible and transparent elections.

The President, in recognition of Yakubu’s meritorious service, conferred on him the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) — one of Nigeria’s highest civilian awards. Tinubu described the outgoing INEC chairman as “a visionary reformer whose innovations strengthened public confidence in the ballot and deepened electoral accountability.”

He further directed Professor Yakubu to hand over to Barrister May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner, who will immediately assume duties as Acting INEC Chairman pending the appointment and Senate confirmation of a substantive successor.

Professor Yakubu, who was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th Chairman of INEC and reappointed in 2020, has now completed the maximum two terms permitted by law. Under his watch, the Commission introduced groundbreaking electoral technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which revolutionized election management and transparency in Nigeria.

In his official handover letter to the President dated October 3, 2025, Yakubu expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating:

> “Leading the Commission for ten years has been both an honour and a profound responsibility. I am grateful for the trust reposed in me and for the privilege to contribute to the advancement of our democracy.”

As the electoral umpire transitions into a new phase under Agbamuche-Mbu’s leadership, attention now turns to the Presidency’s next move — the appointment of a new INEC chairman who will steer the Commission ahead of the crucial Anambra Governorship Election slated for 2026.

Professor Yakubu’s exit, after a decade of defining reforms and landmark elections, marks the close of an era that will be remembered for its blend of innovation, controversy, and resilience in Nigeria’s democratic journey.