The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has officially stepped down from his position, marking the end of his tenure and the beginning of a leadership transition within Nigeria’s electoral body.

Yakubu, who was reappointed for a second five-year term on December 9, 2020, announced his decision on Tuesday during a meeting with INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.

Following his departure, INEC National Commissioner Barrister May Agbamuche-Mbu has assumed office as Acting Chairman, pending the appointment of a substantive replacement by President Bola Tinubu.

Agbamuche-Mbu, who represents the South in the commission, currently chairs INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance & Complaints Committee (LSCCC).

Yakubu’s exit aligns with the constitutional term limit. He had first vacated office in November 2020 at the end of his initial term before being reappointed and confirmed by the Senate.

In an emotional farewell address, the outgoing chairman expressed appreciation to INEC staff and commissioners for their dedication and support throughout his leadership.

“I am grateful to the entire INEC family for their commitment, resilience, and professionalism over the years,” Yakubu said.

The transition comes amid heightened political discourse around the commission’s role in recent electoral processes, with parties across the spectrum expressing mixed reactions to INEC’s conduct in previous polls.

The presidency has yet to announce when a new substantive chairman will be nominated.