President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially 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.
This was contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) on Tuesday.
The statement reads partly: “Yakubu was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission for an initial term of five years. The appointment, which was renewed in 2020, has now expired due to the passage of time.”
“President Tinubu thanked Professor Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.”
“In recognition of Yakubu’s dedicated service to the nation, President Tinubu has bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).”
“President Tinubu also directed that Professor Yakubu should hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will direct the affairs of the commission until the completion of the process to appoint a successor.”
Professor Yakubu, in a letter dated October 3, 2025, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation as INEC chairman since 2015.
During his tenure, Yakubu oversaw multiple general elections and played a key role in sustaining democratic processes in Nigeria. His leadership was widely credited with ensuring the conduct of credible, transparent, and orderly polls.
