May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assumed office as the Acting Chairman of the commission.
Her appointment follows the formal handover of responsibilities by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on terminal leave. The transition was announced on Tuesday at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.
Agbamuche-Mbu, a highly respected legal practitioner with more than 30 years of experience, takes on the leadership role at a crucial time as INEC continues its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and deliver credible elections.
Profile of the New Acting Chairman
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Early Life and Background:
Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s upbringing in northern Nigeria helped shape her inclusive national outlook. Her multicultural background, blending northern and southern influences, underpins her strong commitment to unity and public service. -
Education:
She attended St. Louis Secondary School in Kano before studying law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she earned her LLB in 1984. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, she later qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales after training at the College of Law, London.
She also holds a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, as well as postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law. -
Professional Experience:
With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Agbamuche-Mbu has advised numerous clients in both public and private sectors. She was Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm, before joining INEC.
She served as the sole solicitor to the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (2010–2011) and was part of the Ministerial Committee that drafted the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector in 2016. -
Role in INEC:
Confirmed as a National Commissioner in 2016, Agbamuche-Mbu has played a significant role in legal and policy reforms within the electoral body. Her elevation to Acting Chairman reflects years of dedicated service aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process. -
Contributions to Legal Development:
A certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria), she has also influenced legal discourse through her work as editor of THISDAY LAWYER. Between 2014 and 2016, she wrote over 120 editions of her Legal Eagle column, focusing on law, governance, and policy. -
Personal Life:
Agbamuche-Mbu maintains a low public profile regarding her personal life. Nonetheless, her distinguished professional record has earned her a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in law and governance.
Her appointment places her at the forefront of Nigeria’s electoral system at a pivotal time, as INEC prepares for forthcoming elections and continues to implement key electoral reforms.