What Mahmood Yakubu Told Tinubu in His Resignation Letter as INEC Chairman

Mahmood Yakubu, who has led Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a decade, resigned from his position on Tuesday, handing over to May Agbamuche-Mbu as acting chairperson. His departure comes nearly a month before the official end of his tenure.

According to sources, Mr. Yakubu formally submitted his resignation to President Bola Tinubu on October 3, requesting that it take effect on October 7. In his resignation letter, he expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation as INEC chairman, writing, “Please accept, your excellency, my appreciation for the opportunity to serve the nation as chairman of the electoral commission.”

Mr. Yakubu, who first assumed office in 2015 following an appointment by the late President Muhammadu Buhari and was reappointed in 2020, had initially planned to step down months earlier. His tenure was originally set to conclude on November 9, a day after the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8. Sources indicate that President Tinubu requested he remain temporarily while a suitable replacement was identified.

The handover ceremony at INEC headquarters in Abuja was attended by National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). During the meeting, Mr. Yakubu thanked staff for their support and encouraged them to extend the same cooperation to Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu. “Together, we innovated and managed the commission’s enormous responsibilities, sometimes on the verge of breaking down,” he said, reflecting on his decade of service.