Abuja — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu as the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the conclusion of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, who represents the South-South geopolitical zone on the INEC board, brings a distinguished career spanning law, corporate governance, and public administration to her new role. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in her professional journey, transitioning from the private legal sector to the leadership of Nigeria’s foremost electoral institution.
Before joining INEC, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu built an impressive reputation as a corporate lawyer and publisher. She served as the Managing Partner of her law firm, May Agbamuche-Mbu & Co., where she handled diverse corporate and commercial legal matters for local and international clients. Known for her keen attention to detail and commitment to ethical practice, she earned recognition as one of the few female lawyers in Nigeria to have successfully bridged the gap between law, media, and governance.
Since her appointment as INEC National Commissioner in 2016, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu has played a pivotal role in the Commission’s reforms, policy formulation, and capacity-building programs. She has been a strong advocate for electoral transparency, inclusivity, and the adoption of technology to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
Her elevation to Acting Chairman is expected to ensure a smooth transition and continuity in the Commission’s operations, particularly as INEC prepares for upcoming off-cycle elections and ongoing electoral reforms.
Observers have commended President Tinubu’s choice, describing Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu as a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of Nigeria’s electoral framework and a track record of integrity.
Her appointment reflects growing recognition of women’s leadership in Nigeria’s governance space and underscores the government’s commitment to gender inclusion in key national institutions.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu’s tenure as Acting INEC Chairman will continue until a substantive chairman is appointed, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
