President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the expiration of his second term in office.
Yakubu, who was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission and reappointed in 2020, has completed his tenure in accordance with constitutional provisions.
In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended Professor Yakubu for his “dedicated service to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy through the conduct of free and fair elections.”
The President, in recognition of Yakubu’s contribution to electoral reforms and national service, conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
President Tinubu also directed the outgoing INEC chairman to hand over to the most senior national commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will oversee the commission’s affairs pending the appointment of a substantive successor.
In his letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as head of the electoral body since 2015.