President Bola Tinubu has formally accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the conclusion of his second and final term.
In recognition of his dedicated service, the President has conferred upon Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
This was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “President Tinubu Accepts INEC Chairman’s Departure, Bestows National Honour on Him,” released on Tuesday.
The statement read, “President Tinubu thanked Professor Yakubu for his invaluable service to the nation and his unwavering commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy, notably through the successful organisation of free and fair elections during his two-term tenure.
“In recognition of Yakubu’s dedication, President Tinubu has bestowed on him the prestigious honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.
“The President further directed that Professor Yakubu hand over the commission’s leadership to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will oversee INEC’s affairs until a substantive successor is appointed.”
Professor Yakubu was first appointed INEC’s 14th chairman in November 2015 for a five-year term. After Senate confirmation, he was reappointed in 2020 for an additional five years, which has now concluded.
During his decade-long tenure, Yakubu oversaw the 2019 and 2023 general elections and pioneered technological innovations, including the launch of the INEC Result Viewing portal.
In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Yakubu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the privilege of leading the commission for two terms. In response, the President commended him for conducting elections that upheld the highest standards of fairness and transparency.
President Tinubu directed that May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner, serve as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a new substantive chairperson.
Professor Yakubu’s tenure is the longest since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
