Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Election (INEC), has taken over as the acting Chairman of the Commission.
This followed the formal handover of duties by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on a terminal leave.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu is a lawyer with over thirty years of professional experience, and her ascension comes at an important time for Nigeria’s electoral body as it strives to strengthen the country’s democracy and ensure credible elections.
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Here is a brief profile of the new Acting Chairman:
Her Early Life
She was born in Kano State and but is orginally from Delta State, southern Nigeria. Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu’s unique multicultural background bridges northern and southern Nigeria. This experience has fostered a broad national perspective and a deep commitment to national unity, which has informed her approach to public service.
Education
She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, before proceeding to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree 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 after completing studies at the College of Law, London.
Agbamuche-Mbu has a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, as well as postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
Professional Experience
With over 30 years of experience, Agbamuche-Mbu has advised clients across the public and private sectors. Before joining INEC, she was the Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm.
Between 2010 and 2011, she served as the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee, which evaluated major federal projects nationwide. In 2016, she was part of the Ministerial Committee that drafted the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector.
Role in INEC
Agbamuche-Mbu was confirmed as a National Commissioner of INEC in 2016 and has since contributed to legal and policy reforms within the commission. Her elevation to Acting Chairman follows years of service dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
Her appointment as acting INEC Chairman places her at the helm of Nigeria’s electoral body at a crucial period, as the commission prepares for upcoming elections and continues implementing electoral reforms.