President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the completion of his second term in office.
Yakubu, who was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th INEC chairman, served two five-year terms after his reappointment in 2020. His tenure has now expired by the passage of time.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Yakubu for his service to the nation and his contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through the conduct of credible elections during his tenure.
In recognition of his meritorious service, President Tinubu conferred on Professor Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The President also directed Yakubu to hand over to the most senior National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will oversee the affairs of the commission pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.
In his response, dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation as INEC Chairman for nearly a decade.
