The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has a new acting chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, the senior National Commissioner in the Commissioner currently and accomplished legal expert with over three decades of experience.
Her emergence followed the handover of duties to her by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who has proceeded on terminal leave on Tuesday.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Agbamuche-Mbu’s rise to the top of Nigeria’s electoral umpire marks a new chapter for the commission as it works to deepen democratic integrity and enhance public confidence in elections.
Hereunder are key things you probably didn’t know about the new INEC acting chairman:
1. Early Life and Background:
Born in Kano State, but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s multicultural upbringing in northern Nigeria helped shape her inclusive worldview and national outlook. Her exposure to both northern and southern Nigeria has been instrumental in her commitment to unity and equitable governance.
2. Education:
She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, before proceeding to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she earned her LLB degree in 1984.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, she later became a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales after completing her studies at the College of Law, London.
Agbamuche-Mbu also holds a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, alongside postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
3. Professional Experience:
With more than 30 years of legal and policy experience, Agbamuche-Mbu has provided advisory services to clients across both the public and private sectors.
Before her appointment to INEC as National Commissioner, she was the Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a respected Lagos-based law firm.
She also played key roles in national policy formulation:
In 2010–2011, she served as Sole Solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee, which reviewed major federal projects nationwide.
In 2016, she was part of the Ministerial Committee that drafted the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector.
4. Role at INEC:
Agbamuche-Mbu was appointed as a National Commissioner of INEC in 2016. Over the years, she has contributed significantly to legal, administrative, and policy reforms within the commission.
Her elevation to Acting Chairman is a testament to her integrity, competence, and long-standing dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework.
5. Contributions to Legal Development:
A certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria), Agbamuche-Mbu has made notable contributions to Nigeria’s legal community.
As Editor of THISDAY LAWYER, she authored over 120 editions of her influential “Legal Eagle” column between 2014 and 2016, a platform through which she shaped national conversations on law, governance, and policy.
6. Personal Life:
Known for maintaining a low personal profile, Agbamuche-Mbu keeps her private life away from public scrutiny. Nevertheless, her professional journey speaks volumes, earning her a place among Nigeria’s most respected voices in law and governance.
7. She is the second woman to hold such position after a former INEC National Commissioner, Mrs Amina Bala Zakari, following the exit of the then chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega late 2015.
May Agbamuche-Mbu’s assumption of office as Acting INEC Chairman came at a critical time—as the commission prepares for upcoming elections and intensifies efforts to implement far-reaching electoral reforms.
Her leadership is expected to bring continuity, balance, and renewed credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process, values she has consistently upheld throughout her distinguished career.
