Following the resignation of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu has stepped in as the new Acting Chairman, a move that signals the beginning of a new chapter for Nigeria’s electoral body.
Yakubu, who first assumed office in 2015, announced his decision during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, marking the end of a tenure defined by digital innovations and bold reforms. Citing Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, he said the decision was aimed at ensuring a seamless transition ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.
By consensus of the National Commissioners, Agbamuche-Mbu the most senior among them was appointed to lead the Commission in an acting capacity until a substantive chairman is confirmed.
As she takes the helm of INEC, here are ten things you didn’t know about May Agbamuche-Mbu, the woman now steering the nation’s electoral ship.
1. A legal powerhouse with over 30 years of experience
Agbamuche-Mbu is a veteran legal practitioner whose career spans more than three decades. She has advised clients across both public and private sectors in Nigeria and internationally.
2. Delta roots, Kano upbringing
Though she hails from Delta State, she was born and raised in Kano, attending St. Louis Secondary School, a school renowned for producing some of Nigeria’s most accomplished women.
3. A proud alumna of Obafemi Awolowo University
She earned her LLB in Law from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984, one of Nigeria’s most respected law faculties.
4. Dual-qualified in Nigeria and the United Kingdom
After being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, Agbamuche-Mbu went on to qualify as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, showcasing her global legal credentials.
5. Advanced degrees from top UK universities
She holds an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, and further postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
6. An authority in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
A member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch, Agbamuche-Mbu once served as its Secretary. Her specialisation in mediation and arbitration reflects her balanced approach to leadership and decision-making.
7. Service on key national committees
Between 2010 and 2011, she was the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC), which evaluated stalled public projects nationwide. She also served on the Ministerial Committee that drafted the Road Map for Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector in 2016.
8. Leadership in private legal practice
Before joining INEC, she was Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, Lagos a reputable law firm she co-founded, where she mentored many young legal professionals.
9. Legal voice in journalism
Agbamuche-Mbu made her mark in the media as Editor of ThisDay lawyer, the legal supplement of ThisDay Newspaper. She also penned the “Legal Eagle” column between 2014 and 2016, influencing national legal discourse through over 120 published articles.
10. A leader of integrity and vision
Known for her intellect and commitment to transparency, Agbamuche-Mbu has long been a pillar within INEC. Her appointment as Acting Chairman is widely seen as a step towards continuity, institutional credibility, and reform-minded leadership.
As INEC navigates upcoming elections, all eyes will be on Agbamuche-Mbu the trailblazing lawyer now tasked with sustaining the Commission’s integrity and advancing Nigeria’s democratic process.
