Mahmood Yakubu takes national honour along

Professor Mahmood Yakubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cast the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in recognition of his distinguished service to Nigeria’s democracy.

The honour followed the expiration of Professor Yakubu’s second term as INEC chairman, bringing to an end his ten-year leadership of the nation’s electoral body.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu thanked Yakubu for his commitment and efforts in conducting credible elections and strengthening democratic institutions throughout his tenure.

The President also directed that May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner, should assume leadership of the commission in an acting capacity until a substantive chairman is appointed.

In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country as INEC chairman since 2015.