The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu has officially assumed office as the acting Chairman of the electoral body.
Her appointment follows the handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on his terminal leave after years of overseeing several national elections.
The announcement was made during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, signaling a new phase for the commission as it continues efforts to improve Nigeria’s electoral system.
Agbamuche-Mbu, a seasoned lawyer with more than 30 years of experience, brings legal expertise and a long record of public service to her new position. Okay News gathered that her leadership is expected to continue the commission’s reforms and ensure credible and transparent elections nationwide.
Early Life and Background
Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu grew up in northern Nigeria. Her diverse background has shaped her inclusive approach to leadership and strengthened her belief in national unity.
Education
She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, and later earned a Law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and also became a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales after completing further studies at the College of Law, London.
She holds a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary University of London, and postgraduate certificates in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
Professional Experience
Before joining INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu was the Managing Partner of Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm that advised clients in both the public and private sectors. Between 2010 and 2011, she served as the sole solicitor to the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee, which reviewed key national projects.
In 2016, she was also a member of the Ministerial Committee that developed the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector.
Role in INEC
Agbamuche-Mbu was appointed National Commissioner at INEC in 2016. Since then, she has worked on legal and policy reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system. Her elevation to acting chairman is seen as a recognition of her years of commitment to fair and transparent elections.
Contributions to Legal Development
A respected figure in the legal community, Agbamuche-Mbu is a certified arbitrator and a former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). She also served as editor of THISDAY LAWYER, where she authored over 120 editions of her popular “Legal Eagle” column from 2014 to 2016, focusing on issues of law, governance, and national policy.
Personal Life
Though she maintains a private lifestyle, Agbamuche-Mbu is widely admired for her professionalism and integrity. Her appointment comes at a crucial time as INEC prepares for future elections and continues to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
