The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has entered a new leadership phase as May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner, takes over as Acting Chairman.
Her appointment follows the handover by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who proceeded on terminal leave.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at INEC headquarters in Abuja during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.
Agbamuche-Mbu brings legal expertise and decades of professional experience to the position at a time when the commission is expected to deepen electoral reforms and sustain public trust.
Here are 10 key things to know about her:
1. She was born in Kano but hails from Delta State
May Agbamuche-Mbu was born in Kano and grew up in northern Nigeria, though her family roots are in Delta State. Her upbringing across different regions of the country shaped her inclusive outlook and national perspective, values that continue to influence her public service.
2. She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano
Her early education was in Kano, where she attended St. Louis Secondary School. Her strong academic foundation set the stage for a distinguished career in law and public service.3. She earned her law degree at the University of Ife
Agbamuche-Mbu studied Law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), graduating in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, marking the start of a legal career that has spanned more than three decades.
4. She is qualified to practise in Nigeria and the UK
After completing her studies at the College of Law, London, she was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, alongside postgraduate qualifications in International Business Law and International Dispute Resolution.
5. She has over 30 years of legal experience
Before joining INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu was the Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm. She has advised a wide range of clients in both the private and public sectors, building a reputation as a trusted legal mind.
6. She played a role in assessing federal projects
Between 2010 and 2011, she served as the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee, which evaluated key federal projects across Nigeria. In 2016, she contributed to the Ministerial Committee that developed
a policy roadmap for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
7. She joined INEC in 2016 as a National Commissioner
Agbamuche-Mbu was appointed to the commission in 2016 and has since been involved in legal and policy reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral processes. Her elevation to acting chair builds on nearly a decade of service within the institution.8. She has contributed to legal education and arbitration
She is a certified arbitrator and a former secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). She also influenced public legal discourse as editor of THISDAY Lawyer, where she published over 120 editions of her “Legal Eagle” column between 2014 and 2016.
9. She maintains a low public profile
Agbamuche-Mbu keeps her personal life away from the spotlight. While little is publicly known about her family, she is widely respected in legal and governance circles for her professional accomplishments and integrity.
10. She takes the helm at a critical time for INEC
Her appointment comes as INEC prepares for upcoming elections and continues implementing reforms to enhance electoral credibility. Her leadership will be pivotal in steering the commission through this crucial transition period.