With the recent handover of duties by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, May Agbamuche‑Mbu has assumed office as the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), one of Nigeria’s most influential institutions.
While her name is familiar in legal and electoral circles, many Nigerians are curious about the woman now at the helm of the country’s electoral body.
Here are ten key facts to know about May Agbamuche‑Mbu:
1. Appointed Acting Chairman of INEC
May Agbamuche‑Mbu officially became the Acting Chairman of INEC on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
This followed a formal handover by outgoing Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during a meeting held with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
2. Most Senior INEC National Commissioner
Agbamuche‑Mbu holds the distinction of being the most senior National Commissioner currently serving in INEC.
Her long-standing presence in the Commission, alongside her institutional knowledge, positioned her as the natural successor in an acting capacity pending a permanent appointment.
3. Delta Roots, Northern Birth
Though originally from Delta State in Nigeria’s South-South region, Agbamuche‑Mbu was born in Kano, in the North-West.
This cross-regional background has contributed to her understanding of Nigeria’s diverse political and cultural dynamics.
4. Legal Education Across Continents
She holds an LLB from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).
In addition, she is qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales. Her academic credentials also include a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Commercial and Corporate Law, alongside postgraduate qualifications in International Business Law and Dispute Resolution.
5. Extensive Legal Practice Experience
Before her appointment to INEC, Agbamuche‑Mbu was the Principal Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based commercial law firm.
Her legal career spans corporate law, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance—areas highly relevant to electoral governance.
6. Track Record in Public Service
Her experience extends beyond the legal field. In 2010, she served on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee under President Goodluck Jonathan.
She also played a key role on the Ministerial Committee for the Solid Minerals Sector Roadmap in 2016.
7. Contributor and Legal Columnist
Agbamuche‑Mbu was once the editor of THISDAY LAWYER, a weekly legal supplement of ThisDay newspaper.
Between 2014 and 2016, she wrote over 120 editions of a weekly column titled “Legal Eagle,” which dissected legal, policy, and governance issues.
8. Certified Arbitrator and Thought Leader
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Agbamuche‑Mbu has served as Secretary of the institute’s Nigerian branch.
Also Read: May Agbamuche Becomes Acting INEC Chairman as Yakubu Steps Down
Her involvement in arbitration reflects a strong background in negotiation, neutrality, and conflict resolution—qualities crucial to managing elections.
9. Discreet Personal Life
She maintains a relatively low public profile in her personal affairs. While she uses a hyphenated surname—Agbamuche‑Mbu—suggesting marital affiliation, she keeps family matters private and out of the public eye.
10. Transition Watch: What Happens Next
Her role as Acting Chairman comes at a time when the Presidency is reportedly finalizing the appointment of a new substantive INEC Chairman.
Sources indicate that Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) may be nominated by President Bola Tinubu, with an announcement expected following the next Council of State meeting.
The New Leadership
May Agbamuche‑Mbu steps into the INEC leadership at a critical juncture, as Nigeria looks toward future electoral reforms and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Her professional background, legal experience, and longstanding role within INEC make her one of the most qualified figures to maintain continuity and uphold credibility in the commission’s operations—at least in the interim.
