Mahmood Yakubu has handed over the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting National Chairman of the Commission.

The transition was confirmed on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, October 7.

The handover marks a significant change in Nigeria’s electoral leadership, as Yakubu’s two-term, 10-year tenure is set to conclude in November. He has led the Commission since his appointment in 2015.

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Announcing the transition, Yakubu said: “I have today handed over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission until a substantive replacement is appointed.”

He also urged INEC management staff and commissioners to extend their full cooperation and support to Agbamuche-Mbu as she takes charge of the Commission’s affairs.