President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, formally accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the expiration of his second and final tenure.
Naijaonpoint understands that Yakubu, who handed over on Tuesday, was succeeded in acting capacity by May Agbamuche-Mbu, a senior national commissioner and seasoned legal practitioner, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.
According to Punch, Tinubu will present the list of nominees for Yakubu’s replacement at the Council of State meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
The council, which includes former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, state governors, and other eminent Nigerians, is expected to advise the President before he makes a formal announcement.
Meanwhile, in recognition of his service, Tinubu conferred on Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement titled “President Tinubu Accepts INEC Chairman’s Departure, Bestows National Honour on Him.”
“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,” the statement read.
Acting Chair to Hold the Fort
Tinubu directed that Yakubu should hand over to the most senior national commissioner.
“Professor Yakubu should hand over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will direct the affairs of the commission until the completion of the process to appoint a successor,” Onanuga added.
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