President Bola Tinubu has accepted the departure of Prof Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the expiration of his second term in office.

Professor Yakubu, who was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission and reappointed in 2020, has completed his statutory two terms.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, President Tinubu commended Professor Yakubu for his meritorious service to the nation and his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through the conduct of credible elections during his tenure.

As a mark of recognition for his contributions, President Tinubu has conferred on Professor Yakubu the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

The President also directed that the most senior National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, should assume leadership of the commission in an acting capacity, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation as INEC Chairman for two consecutive terms.