PROFESSOR Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has concluded his 10-year tenure, handing over to May Agbamuche-Mbu as Acting Chairman on October 7.
With the 2027 general elections looming, focus shifts to the selection of the next INEC chairman. Below, we outline how the appointment process will unfold and when the new chairman is likely to emerge.
How will the next INEC chairman be appointed?
The appointment of the INEC chairman is governed by Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. The process involves three key steps:
Presidential Nomination: President Bola Tinubu will nominate a candidate who must be at least 50 years old, non-partisan, and of “unquestionable integrity.” While recent INEC chairmen have been academics, such as professors, this is not a constitutional requirement, allowing for a broader pool of candidates.
Consultation with the Council of State: The President must consult the Council of State, a body he chairs, which includes former presidents, governors, and other officials. This step ensures advisory input, though the President retains significant influence over the final nomination.
Senate Confirmation: The nominee is forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation by a simple majority vote. The Senate’s role includes assessing the candidate’s qualifications and impartiality through public hearings. The process aims to ensure an independent and credible appointment, though some stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), have called for reforms, such as an independent panel to reduce presidential influence. Regional considerations may also play a role, with speculation focusing on candidates from the South West or North Central zones, the latter yet to produce an INEC chairman since 1999.
Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner since 2016, is currently acting chairman. A lawyer from Delta State with experience in arbitration and public policy, she will manage INEC’s operations, including the November 8 Anambra Governorship Election, until a permanent chairman is appointed.
When will the next INEC chairman be appointed?
No official timeline has been announced, but the process is expected to move swiftly to ensure the new chairman has sufficient time to prepare for the 2027 elections. Based on past appointments and current context:
Nomination Phase: President Tinubu is likely to announce a nominee within weeks, potentially by late October or early November 2025, following consultations with the Council of State. Yakubu’s early handover, facilitated by terminal leave under Section 306 of the Constitution, was designed to provide this buffer.
Senate Confirmation: The Senate, which resumed its session on September 24, 2025, after a recess, typically requires 2–4 weeks for screening and confirmation, depending on political dynamics and the nominee’s profile. This could place confirmation in November or early December 2025.
Assumption of Office: The new chairman is expected to assume office by late 2025 or early 2026, allowing over a year to prepare for the 2027 polls. Delays could arise if the Senate faces political gridlock or if the nomination sparks public debate.