President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally accepted the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the end of his ten-year leadership of the commission.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed appreciation for Yakubu’s dedication and service to Nigeria’s democratic development.
“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,” Onanuga said.
As recognition for his contributions to electoral reforms and national service, the President conferred on Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The statement also directed that May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, should take over as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive successor.
In his farewell message, Professor Yakubu expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve the nation since 2015, noting that his tenure was dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process and public confidence in democratic institutions.
