Tinubu Bids Farewell to INEC Boss Mahmood Yakubu, Honours Him with National Award
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the end of a decade-long tenure that shaped Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
Professor Yakubu, who first assumed office in November 2015 and was reappointed in 2020, bows out following the expiration of his second term.
In a statement released from the State House on Tuesday, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing INEC boss for his “dedicated service to the nation and commitment to sustaining democracy through credible elections.”
To honour his contribution, the President conferred on Professor Yakubu one of Nigeria’s highest national honours Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The President also directed Professor Yakubu to hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will oversee the commission pending the appointment of a new chairman.
In his valedictory letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued support for democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
“It has been a great honour to serve my country in this capacity. I remain deeply grateful for the trust reposed in me,” Yakubu wrote.The announcement has already stirred conversations across political circles, as stakeholders await Tinubu’s next move in appointing a new INEC helmsman.”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, signed the statement on behalf of the Presidency.
