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.
Professor Yakubu, who was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th Chairman of the Commission for an initial term of five years, was reappointed in 2020 for a second term, which has now come to an end.
The President commended Professor Yakubu for his years of dedicated service to the nation and his unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through the conduct of credible, free, and fair elections during his tenure.
In recognition of his distinguished service, President Tinubu has conferred on Professor Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The President has further directed that Professor Yakubu hand over the leadership of the Commission to the most senior National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will oversee the affairs of INEC pending the conclusion of the process to appoint a substantive successor.
In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu for the privilege and opportunity to serve the nation in this capacity since 2015.
