May Agbamuche-Mbu is Nigeria’s first female INEC chairman — even if temporarily

In a historic transition at Nigeria’s top electoral body, May Agbamuche-Mbu has become the first woman to chair the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — even if only in an acting capacity.

Her appointment follows the handover by Mahmood Yakubu, who stepped aside on Tuesday after nearly a decade at the position. The announcement, made during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja, marked the end of an era defined by digital reforms, institutional restructuring, and major electoral milestones.

Read also: Who is May Agbamuche-Mbu, the new acting INEC chairman

Citing Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, Yakubu said his decision was to ensure a smooth transition as INEC prepares for another busy election cycle. By consensus of the National Commissioners, Agbamuche-Mbu — the commission’s most senior member — was chosen to act as chairman pending the confirmation of a substantive head.

Announcing the transition, Yakubu said: “I have today handed over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission until a substantive replacement is appointed.”

He also urged INEC management staff and commissioners to extend their full cooperation and support to Agbamuche-Mbu as she takes charge of the Commission’s affairs.

Read also:Tinubu accepts Yakubu’s exit, confers national honour on ex-INEC chair

Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s upbringing in northern Nigeria gave her a broad national outlook and a deep appreciation for the country’s diversity. Her early life reflects a blend of northern and southern influences.

She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, before proceeding to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, and later qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales after completing studies at the College of Law, London.

Agbamuche-Mbu further earned a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, alongside postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.

Before joining INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu built a distinguished career as Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based commercial law firm providing legal advisory services to clients in energy, finance, and corporate sectors. Her sharp intellect and reputation for integrity made her a trusted voice in both private and public circles.

Her first major role in public service came in 2010 when she was appointed the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC) — a federal task force that audited incomplete public projects nationwide. In 2016, she served on the Ministerial Committee that drafted the Road Map for the Solid Minerals Sector, contributing to policy reforms aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy.

Read also:Yakubu hands over to Agbamuche-Mbu as acting INEC chair

Alongside her legal practice, Agbamuche-Mbu carved a name for herself in legal journalism. As Editor of THISDAY LAWYER, the legal supplement of THISDAY newspaper, she wrote more than 120 editions of her column Legal Eagle between 2014 and 2016. Her incisive commentaries — often tackling issues of governance, justice, and institutional reform — influenced public discourse and earned her respect within the legal community.

Her writing reflected her belief that democracy and justice thrive only when laws are transparent and accessible to citizens. It also established her as a measured yet courageous voice for reform — a quality that would later define her role within INEC.

Since her appointment as National Commissioner in 2016, Agbamuche-Mbu has played a central role in the commission’s legal and administrative evolution. She has contributed to policy development, institutional strengthening, and the modernisation of electoral processes through technology.

Agbamuche-Mbu is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch, where she once served as Secretary. Her expertise in arbitration and mediation highlights her commitment to fairness and constructive dialogue.

Beyond the public eye, Agbamuche-Mbu is married to Patrick Mbu, and together they share a quiet family life.

As she assumes the leadership of INEC, even if temporarily, Agbamuche-Mbu brings with her more than 30 years of experience and a steady record of professionalism. Her appointment represents  a symbolic milestone for women in public service.