Six Things to Know About New Acting INEC Chairman

Professor Mahmood Yakubu has handed over leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to May Agbamuche, who will serve as Acting National Chairman.

Agbamuche, the commission’s longest-serving National Commissioner, assumed the role after Yakubu made the announcement on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Yakubu called on commissioners and directors to extend their full support to Agbamuche until a substantive chairman is appointed.

Here are six facts about the new acting INEC Chairman.

1. Early Life and Background:
   Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s upbringing in northern Nigeria shaped her inclusive national outlook. Her multicultural background, blending northern and southern influences, has reinforced her commitment to unity and public service.
2. Education:
   She attended St. Louis Secondary School in Kano before studying law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she earned her LLB in 1984. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, she later qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales after training at the College of Law, London.
   She also holds a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, along with postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
3. Professional Experience:
   With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Agbamuche-Mbu has advised numerous clients across the public and private sectors. Before joining INEC, she was Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm.
   She served as the sole solicitor to the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (2010–2011) and contributed to the Ministerial Committee that drafted the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector in 2016.
4. Role in INEC:
   Appointed as a National Commissioner in 2016, Agbamuche-Mbu has been instrumental in driving legal and policy reforms within the commission. Her elevation to Acting Chairman reflects years of dedicated service to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
5. Contributions to Legal Development:
   A certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria), she has also shaped legal discourse as editor of THISDAY LAWYER. Between 2014 and 2016, she authored over 120 editions of her “Legal Eagle” column, focusing on law, governance, and policy.
6. Personal Life:
   Agbamuche-Mbu maintains a low public profile regarding her private life. Nonetheless, her distinguished professional achievements have established her as one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in law and governance.

Her appointment places her at the helm of Nigeria’s electoral system at a pivotal moment, as INEC prepares for upcoming elections and continues to implement crucial electoral reforms.