Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially handed over the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to May Agbamuche, who now serves as the Acting National Chairman, News360 Nigeria reports.

Agbamuche, the oldest serving National Commissioner at the commission, was appointed to oversee the affairs of INEC pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

Yakubu made the announcement on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at INEC headquarters in Abuja, where he urged commissioners and directors to extend their full support to Agbamuche during her tenure.

His exit marks the end of a decade-long service as INEC chairman, having completed his two-term tenure. President Bola Tinubu is expected to announce his successor soon, subject to Senate confirmation.

Professor Yakubu was first appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2015, six months after Buhari assumed office. He completed his first term in 2020 and was subsequently reappointed, making him the first person in Nigeria’s history to serve two consecutive terms as INEC chairman.

During his tenure, Yakubu supervised several major elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general polls, after taking over from Professor Attahiru Jega.