Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is entering a new phase, and at the center of it all is a woman whose name many Nigerians are only just beginning to learn. When Professor Mahmood Yakubu stepped aside after completing his two-term tenure as INEC Chairman, the responsibility of steering the commission’s affairs fell to May Agbamuche-Mbu, a seasoned legal mind and one of the most experienced hands within the institution.
Her assumption of office as acting chairman is more than just a procedural handover. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for the nation’s electoral body and perhaps a defining moment for women in public leadership.
May Agbamuche-Mbu didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Behind her calm demeanor lies decades of legal brilliance, public service, and quiet consistency that have all prepared her for this role. Yet, despite her influence, she has remained largely under the radar, until now.
Here are ten things you probably didn’t know about the new woman leading Nigeria’s electoral umpire.
1. She is one of INEC’s most experienced hands
Before her appointment as acting chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu had already served as one of INEC’s longest-standing national commissioners. She joined the commission years ago and became a trusted figure known for her professionalism and deep understanding of Nigeria’s complex electoral system.
She chaired the Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee, one of the commission’s most critical units. This role placed her at the heart of candidate vetting, dispute resolution, and election petitions, which are key areas that often make or break the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.
2. She is a lawyer through and through
May Agbamuche-Mbu’s story is rooted in law. She earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, in 1984 and was called to the Nigerian Bar shortly after.
Her academic journey did not stop there. She went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law, and later pursued postgraduate studies in International Business Law and International Dispute Resolution. This combination of qualifications has shaped her as a versatile legal mind capable of balancing technical knowledge with diplomacy.
3. She has worked both locally and internationally
Before joining INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu ran a successful private law practice. She was the principal partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm that handled corporate, commercial, and arbitration cases. Her work took her across Nigerian borders and exposed her to international legal frameworks, giving her a global perspective on justice, governance, and institutional accountability.
This background now serves her well as she navigates Nigeria’s politically charged electoral space, where every decision carries both national and international implications.
4. She once worked as a legal journalist
What many people don’t know is that the new INEC acting chairman also has a strong media background. She once served as the editor of THISDAY LAWYER, a weekly legal publication.
She also wrote a popular column called “Legal Eagle,” where she simplified complex legal topics for everyday readers. Her ability to communicate law in relatable language is one of her most underrated strengths, and something that could prove useful as she now leads one of Nigeria’s most closely watched public institutions.
5. She has served on major national committees
Agbamuche-Mbu’s journey in public service did not start with INEC. Over the years, she has been part of several government committees that tackled critical policy areas.
Between March 2010 and November 2011, she served on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC), which reviewed government projects across Nigeria, and was also part of the Solid Minerals Sector roadmap committee. These roles deepened her experience in governance and gave her insight into the challenges of implementing reform in a complex system.
6. She brings strong legal oversight to INEC’s internal operations
At INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu has long been the internal watchdog on legal and procedural matters. Her position as head of Legal Services and Complaints means she ensures that candidate nominations follow the law and that disputes are resolved fairly.
Under her supervision, INEC handled multiple high-profile complaints and petitions with consistency and adherence to due process. Her approach has earned her quiet respect within the commission, even if she isn’t one to seek the spotlight.
7. She has roots in both the North and the South
Born in Kano State but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu represents a blend of Nigeria’s regional identities. This dual background has given her a unique understanding of the country’s diversity. This is also something invaluable for an electoral umpire tasked with managing elections in every corner of Nigeria.
Her upbringing in Kano and connection to Delta have seemingly helped her maintain balance and empathy when addressing issues that cut across ethnicity, geography, and culture.
8. She has been a quiet advocate for women in leadership
Though not one to make loud declarations, Agbamuche-Mbu’s career has been a subtle but powerful statement on female excellence in governance.
Her rise through the ranks in a male-dominated space like electoral management sends a strong message. She embodies the argument that competence, not gender, should define leadership. Her calm yet firm leadership style has already earned her respect across political lines.
9. She faces both opportunity and pressure in her new role
As acting chairman, Agbamuche-Mbu is stepping into a role that carries enormous expectations. Nigerians will be watching closely to see how she manages ongoing electoral processes and whether she can sustain or even improve the credibility that Prof. Mahmood Yakubu built over ten years.
Her experience gives her an edge, but her tenure comes with challenges like balancing political interests, technological innovations, and voter confidence, all while maintaining neutrality
10. She could make history in more ways than one
If her performance as acting chairman impresses both the presidency and the public, Agbamuche-Mbu could become a strong contender for a substantive appointment. That would make her one of the few women in Nigeria’s history to permanently lead the electoral body.
Even in an acting capacity, her appointment already represents progress. It reminds Nigerians that leadership in electoral reform is not the preserve of men.
Conclusion
May Agbamuche-Mbu’s emergence as the acting chairman of INEC comes at a defining point for Nigeria’s democracy. With Professor Mahmood Yakubu handing over after an eventful decade marked by reforms, innovation, and public scrutiny, her appointment represents both stability and quiet renewal. Her journey from lawyer to respected electoral commissioner mirrors the discipline and balance required to lead such a complex institution.
As she steps into the role, Nigerians are watching to see how she sustains the foundation Yakubu built while bringing her own touch of fairness, precision, and calm.
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