On 3 October 2025 Professor Mahmood Yakubu formally submitted his resignation as Chairman of Nigerias Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Although his second tenure was expected to end in November 2025 Yakubu chose to leave office earlier than scheduled In his letter he expressed gratitude explained his timing and emphasized the importance of a smooth transition His resignation has drawn national attention marking the end of a significant era in Nigerias electoral leadership .
Background Tenure and Timing
Professor Mahmood Yakubu first became INEC Chairman in November 2015 when he was appointed by then President Muhammadu Buhari for a five year term In 2020 he was reappointed for another term setting his tenure to end in November 2025 However he decided to step down about a month before the official end of his service His resignation took effect on 7 October 2025 even though his tenure was due to expire on 9 November 2025 a day after the Anambra State governorship election It was reported that Yakubu had considered resigning earlier but President Tinubu requested that he stay until proper arrangements for succession were made .
Also Read : EPL Paul Scholes Predicts Winner of Liverpool vs Manchester United
The Resignation Letter What Yakubu Told Tinubu
In his letter to President Tinubu Professor Yakubu began by expressing deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve the country in one of its most sensitive and challenging positions He acknowledged the trust placed in him and thanked the President for the confidence shown throughout his tenure .
He stated that his resignation would take effect on Tuesday 7 October 2025 nearly a month before the official expiration of his term His decision he suggested was to ensure a seamless transition and prevent any disruption to INECs operations especially with the upcoming elections .
Yakubu also took time to reflect on his journey as INEC Chairman He thanked the secretaries national commissioners resident electoral commissioners and all staff across Nigeria for their dedication and support during his years in office He said he would always cherish the cooperation he received and the shared efforts that helped the Commission fulfill its constitutional duties even under immense pressure His message carried a tone of humility and gratitude reinforcing his commitment to institutional stability and teamwork .
Handover and Succession Plans
Following his resignation Mahmood Yakubu officially handed over leadership to May Agbamuche Mbu who assumed office as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a new substantive head The handover took place at INECs headquarters in Abuja with senior officials national commissioners and resident electoral commissioners in attendance .
In his farewell message Yakubu urged INEC staff to give the same level of support and cooperation to Agbamuche Mbu that they had given him He emphasized the need to maintain professionalism neutrality and dedication to the Commissions constitutional mandate His appeal reflected his concern for continuity and the preservation of the institutions integrity .
President Bola Tinubu in response accepted Yakubus resignation and commended him for his years of service In recognition of his contribution to national development the President conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger CON Tinubu also directed that May Agbamuche Mbu being the most senior national commissioner should oversee the affairs of INEC until a new chairman is appointed .
Possible Motivations and Implications
Several factors may have influenced Yakubus decision to resign before the end of his term One major reason could be the timing of the Anambra State governorship election which is scheduled for 8 November 2025 just a day before his tenure would have officially ended By leaving before the election Yakubu avoided the risk of leadership confusion or administrative challenges that might arise during a critical electoral process .
His early departure also gives President Tinubu enough time to select and confirm a new INEC Chairman ahead of the 2027 general elections This move may help the government plan for the next election cycle under stable leadership .
Yakubus exit after nearly a decade of service marks the end of one of the longest and most eventful tenures in INECs history His leadership saw significant reforms in election management the introduction of technology in voting processes and numerous controversies that tested the Commissions credibility Despite challenges his resignation letter and smooth transition reflect an effort to maintain dignity professionalism and institutional stability .
Legacy and Institutional Impact
Throughout his time as Chairman Mahmood Yakubu worked to strengthen Nigerias electoral process through transparency and innovation He introduced measures such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal IReV aimed at improving public trust in election outcomes While his administration faced criticism from various political actors especially after the 2023 general elections his exit has been described as orderly and respectful .
His resignation symbolizes the conclusion of a critical chapter in Nigerias democratic evolution By leaving on his own terms and ensuring a proper handover Yakubu demonstrated a leadership style that prioritizes institutional continuity over personal ambition The transition to May Agbamuche Mbu is viewed as a stabilizing move one that maintains INECs operational momentum as the nation prepares for future elections .
Conclusion
Professor Mahmood Yakubus resignation from INEC represents both the end of an era and the beginning of a new phase in Nigerias electoral management His letter to President Tinubu conveyed gratitude careful timing and a strong commitment to smooth leadership transition With May Agbamuche Mbu now serving as Acting Chair and plans underway for the appointment of a new chairman INEC enters a defining period in its pursuit of credible and transparent elections .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers are advised to cross check updates from official news outlets .