ABUJA: A National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), May Agbamuche-Mbu, has officially assumed office as the Acting Chairman of the Commission following the handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on terminal leave.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.
Agbamuche-Mbu’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the electoral body as it continues efforts to deepen democratic governance and strengthen the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu grew up in northern Nigeria, an experience that shaped her broad national outlook and commitment to unity.
Her upbringing reflects a blend of northern and southern influences, which continue to guide her approach to public service and leadership.
She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, and later proceeded to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1984.
She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and subsequently qualified as 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, along with postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business L
With more than 30 years of professional experience, Agbamuche-Mbu has provided legal advisory services across both public and private sectors.
Before joining INEC, she was the Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm.
Between 2010 and 2011, she served as the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee, which evaluated major federal projects nationwide.
In 2016, she also contributed to the Ministerial Committee that developed the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector, helping to shape key reforms in the extractive industry.
Appointed as a National Commissioner in 2016, Agbamuche-Mbu has played a major role in driving legal, policy, and administrative reforms within the Commission.
Her elevation to Acting Chairman is seen as a continuation of her dedication to improving Nigeria’s electoral systems and promoting transparency in the electoral process.
A certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria), Agbamuche-Mbu has been an influential voice in Nigeria’s legal community.
As the Editor of THISDAY LAWYER, she published over 120 editions of her popular column, Legal Eagle, between 2014 and 2016 offering critical insights into law, governance, and public policy.
Agbamuche-Mbu maintains a low public profile regarding her personal life. While details about her family remain private, her professional achievements have made her one of the most respected figures in Nigeria’s legal and governance sectors.
Her emergence as Acting INEC Chairman comes at a pivotal time as the Commission prepares for upcoming elections and continues implementing electoral reforms aimed at consolidating democracy.
