Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has accepted Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s departure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the expiration of his second term in office. In recognition of his service, Tinubu conferred on Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the announcement was made in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja. Yakubu was first appointed in November 2015 as INEC’s 14th chairman. His initial five-year term was renewed in 2020 and has now officially ended.
The President expressed gratitude for Yakubu’s services to the nation and his efforts in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure. Tinubu also directed that Yakubu should hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will manage the commission until a successor is appointed.
In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Yakubu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the nation as chairman of the commission since 2015.