-
My Agbamuche-Mbu, INEC National Commissioner, assumes role of acting Chairman following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s terminal leave.
-
Legal veteran with over 30 years’ experience, known for policy and governance contributions.
-
Appointment comes as Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections and continues electoral reforms.
May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has officially taken over as acting Chairman of the commission, following the handover from Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on terminal leave.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The announcement was made on Tuesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.
Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s upbringing in northern Nigeria shaped her national outlook and commitment to unity.
She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, before earning a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and later qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales at the College of Law, London.
Her postgraduate studies include a Master’s in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, alongside qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
Agbamuche-Mbu has more than three decades of legal experience, advising public and private sector clients. Prior to joining INEC, she was Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, Lagos.
She contributed to national projects, including:
2010–2011 Presidential Projects Assessment Committee – evaluating major federal projects.
2016 Ministerial Committee – drafting the roadmap for the solid minerals sector.
READ ALSO: CBN slams N5m fine on illegal agent banking, sets tougher penalties for violators
Role at INEC
Confirmed as INEC National Commissioner in 2016, she has played a key role in legal and policy reforms within the commission. Her elevation to acting Chairman coincides with preparations for upcoming elections and ongoing electoral reforms.
—
Contributions to Legal Development
Agbamuche-Mbu is a certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). She also edited THISDAY LAWYER, writing over 120 editions of her “Legal Eagle” column between 2014 and 2016, influencing public discourse on law, governance, and policy.
—
Personal Life
She maintains a private personal life, but her professional accomplishments have earned her recognition as one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in law and governance.
Her appointment as acting INEC Chairman comes at a pivotal time for Nigeria’s electoral body, ensuring leadership continuity as the commission implements reforms to strengthen democracy.
