May Agbamuche-Mbu
A National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission, May Agbamuche-Mbu, has taken over as the acting Chairman of the Commission.
This followed the formal handover of duties by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on a terminal leave.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.
Agbamuche-Mbu is a seasoned legal expert with over three decades of professional experience, and her appointment mark a significant moment for Nigeria’s electoral body as it continues efforts to strengthen democracy and ensure credible elections across the country.
Here are key things to know about the new Acting Chairman:
1. Early life and background
Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s upbringing in northern Nigeria shaped her broad national outlook and commitment to unity. Her multicultural background reflects a blend of northern and southern influences that continue to guide her public service ethos.
2. Education
She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, before proceeding to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and later qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales after completing 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, as well as postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
3. Professional experience
With over 30 years of experience, Agbamuche-Mbu has advised clients across the 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 was part of the Ministerial Committee that drafted the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector.
4. Role in INEC
Agbamuche-Mbu was confirmed as a National Commissioner of INEC in 2016 and has since contributed to legal and policy reforms within the commission. Her elevation to Acting Chairman follows years of service dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
5. Contributions to legal development
She is a certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). As editor of THISDAY LAWYER, she wrote over 120 editions of her widely read “Legal Eagle” column from 2014 to 2016, influencing public discourse on law, governance, and policy.
6. Personal life
Agbamuche-Mbu keeps her private life out of the public eye. While little is known about her family, her professional accomplishments have made her one of the most respected figures in Nigeria’s legal and governance circles.
Her appointment as acting INEC Chairman places her at the helm of Nigeria’s electoral body at a pivotal time, as the commission prepares for upcoming elections and continues implementing electoral reforms.
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