Who is May Agbamuche-Mbu? Meet the New INEC Acting Chairman

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stepped down after ten years of service and handed over to National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, one of the most senior national commissioners, in acting capacity as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while he proceeded on a terminal leave. 

This handover was made pending the appointment of a substantive chairman by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The section prescribes that the Chairman of INEC “shall be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.”

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Agbamuche-Mbu is a National Commissioner from the Southeast and heads the INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance, and Complaints Committee (LSCCC). Here are things you should know about the new acting INEC Chairman;

Who is May Agbamuche-Mbu?

May Agbamuche-Mbu is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, public servant, and administrator known for her commitment to transparency, electoral integrity, and governance. She hails from Delta State and has built a reputable career in both the public and private sectors.

Born in the 1960s, Agbamuche-Mbu obtained her Law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985. She later pursued advanced studies in International Law and Corporate Governance, equipping her with the expertise that has defined her public service journey.

Before joining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), she practiced law for several years and ran her own legal firm, handling corporate, electoral, and human rights matters. Her blend of professional experience and passion for good governance has earned her respect as one of Nigeria’s most capable women in leadership.

Educational Background

Though she hailed from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu was born in Kano State, where she began her educational journey at St. Louis Secondary School. She earned her LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.

She went on to study in the UK, where she qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, and got an LL.M. in Commercial & Corporate Law. Also, she holds postgraduate credentials in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.

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Her Career Journey before INEC

Private Practice

Before joining INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu built a solid reputation in Nigeria’s legal and corporate sectors. She served as the Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a respected law firm based in Lagos State, where she oversaw major corporate and commercial cases. She is also a recognised expert in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and an active member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria branch, where she once served as Secretary. Her work in mediation and arbitration earned her recognition as a key voice in promoting peaceful and efficient conflict resolution.

Public Service

Agbamuche-Mbu’s commitment to national development extended beyond private practice. She was appointed to the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC) between 2010 and 2011, where she contributed to auditing and evaluating hundreds of uncompleted federal infrastructure projects across the country. In 2016, she also served on the Solid Minerals Sector Roadmap Committee, helping to develop strategies for revamping Nigeria’s mining and mineral resources sector.

Editorial Contributions

Beyond law and governance, Agbamuche-Mbu made her mark in media and thought leadership. She was the Editor of the legal pull-out, THISDAY LAWYER, where she published insightful legal analyses and interviews with key figures in Nigeria’s justice system. She also wrote a regular column titled “Legal Eagle,” through which she offered expert commentary on contemporary legal and governance issues, further cementing her reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading legal minds.

Challenges Ahead For The New INEC Chair

Logistics and Electoral Planning

One of the major challenges facing the new INEC Chair is managing election logistics across Nigeria’s vast geography. From transporting sensitive materials to remote areas, ensuring the timely arrival of ballot papers and staff, to setting up polling units in hard-to-reach communities, logistics remain a recurring concern. Poor logistics have often led to delayed voting and voter frustration, making this a top priority for improvement.

Funding

Elections in Nigeria are capital-intensive, and adequate funding is essential for INEC’s smooth operations. The Commission often faces delays or shortfalls in budget releases, which affect preparations and execution. The new Chair must work closely with the government and stakeholders to ensure timely disbursement of funds, transparency in expenditure, and effective resource management.

Voter's trust and credibility

Public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process has been declining due to allegations of vote manipulation, result tampering, and poor transparency. Restoring voter confidence will require decisive reforms, improved communication, and demonstrable neutrality. The new Chair must show commitment to fairness and accountability to rebuild the electorate’s faith in INEC’s credibility.

Election security

Ensuring the safety of voters, officials, and election materials remains a major concern. Electoral violence, ballot box snatching, and intimidation have crippled past elections. Collaborating effectively with security agencies, adopting technology for real-time monitoring, and enforcing stricter penalties for offenders will be key in maintaining peaceful elections.

Managing upcoming elections

With several off-cycle governorship elections and preparations already underway for the 2027 general elections, the new INEC Chair faces immediate pressure to perform. Each election presents a test of INEC’s readiness, credibility, and efficiency. Strengthening internal structures, training staff, and implementing lessons from previous elections will be vital steps forward.

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Quick Facts about May Agbamuche-Mbu

Full Name: May Agbamuche-Mbu

State of Origin: Delta State (South-South zone)

Age: 65

Place of Birth: Kano State

Education: 

• LL.B., University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University), 1984

• Called to Nigerian Bar, 1985

• Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales 

• LL.M. in Commercial & Corporate Law

• Postgraduate credentials in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law

Profession: Lawyer, Alternative Dispute Resolution Expert, Public Servant

Previous Roles: Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners (Lagos); Member of Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC) 2010-2011; Member of Ministerial Committee for Solid Minerals Roadmap in 2016, Editor of THISDAY LAWYER; authored “Legal Eagle” column (~120 legal editorials between 2014-2016)

INEC Position: National Commissioner (2016-2021, reappointed 2021), Chair of INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance & Complaints Committee (LSCCC), Acting Chairman [2025-]

Notable Achievement: Longest-serving commissioner in current INEC setup

Date Appointed Acting INEC Chair: October 7, 2025

Previous Public Service: Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (2010-2011), Solid Minerals Sector Roadmap Committee (2016)

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Agbamuche-Mbu’s Appointment

The new acting chairman has been a National Commissioner in INEC since 2016, representing Delta State, and she was reappointed in 2021. She is the longest-serving commissioner in the current INEC setup. Furthermore, Agbamuche-Mbu chairs the Legal Services, Clearance & Complaints Committee (LSCCC) of INEC, which is an entity responsible for the legal vetting of candidates and handling complaints.

Her appointment as the acting chairman aligns with the constitutional provision, which states that when the INEC Chairman’s term ends, the most senior commissioner steps in until a substantive chair is appointed.

Having someone with her type of experience in legal oversight and institutional knowledge may serve as a valuable advantage, provided the President found her worthy of the role in a permanent capacity.

Agbamuche-Mbu takes over at a critical time when the nation is gearing up for off-cycle governorship elections, ahead of the major general elections in 2027. 

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