Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has a new acting leader — May Agbamuche-Mbu, Esq. She takes over as the Acting National Chairman following the commencement of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s terminal leave on October 7, 2025.
Who is May Agbamuche-Mbu?
May Agbamuche-Mbu is a seasoned legal practitioner and INEC National Commissioner, known for her extensive experience in law, governance, and electoral administration. Appointed as one of INEC’s National Commissioners in February 2022, she has been an influential voice in electoral reforms and legal compliance within the commission.
Why She’s Taking Over
As the most senior National Commissioner in INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu automatically steps into the leadership role in an acting capacity, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman by the President and subsequent confirmation by the Senate. Her tenure as acting chair will ensure continuity and stability in INEC’s operations during this transition period.
Her Background and Education
A native of Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu holds an LLB in Law from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), graduating in 1984.
She proceeded to the College of Law, London, and in 1985, qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales.
She further obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London.
Career Highlights
Agbamuche-Mbu’s legal and public service career spans over three decades across both the public and private sectors.
Before joining INEC, she served on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee from 2010 to 2011, contributing to governance and accountability initiatives.
At INEC, she has held several key roles, including Chairperson of the Legal Services, Clearance, and Complaints Committee (LSC&CC). Her work has involved:
Supervising legal frameworks for elections,
Overseeing complaints and petitions,
Conducting training sessions for political party officials, and
Coordinating activities such as presenting voter registers to parties.
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