On October 7 2025 May Agbamuche Mbu was appointed as the Acting Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission stepping in as Professor Mahmood Yakubu commenced his terminal leave Her appointment is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s electoral history as she becomes the first woman to lead the commission even in a temporary capacity .
Early Life and Education
May “Agbamuche” Mbu was born in Kano State but hails from Delta State in Nigeria’s South South region She attended St Louis Secondary School in Kano for her early education In 1984 she graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ife now known as Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 She later pursued further studies in the United Kingdom earning a Master of Laws in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College University of London She also holds postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law .
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Professional Career
With over three decades of experience as a legal practitioner Agbamuche Mbu has provided counsel to clients across both the public and private sectors in Nigeria and beyond Before joining INEC she served as the Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners a Lagos based law firm She also made her mark as the editor of THISDAY Lawyer writing a column called Legal Eagle that became widely read and respected publishing over a hundred insightful editorials .
Her expertise spans Alternative Dispute Resolution and she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the UK Nigeria Branch She has actively contributed to national development through several committee appointments She served as the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee evaluating key infrastructure projects and participated in the 2016 Ministerial Committee that developed the Road Map for the Solid Minerals Sector .
Appointment as Acting INEC Chairman
Agbamuche Mbu’s elevation to Acting Chairman followed INEC’s internal succession process which requires the most senior National Commissioner to assume leadership temporarily while awaiting the appointment of a substantive chairman Her appointment comes at an important time as Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections and continues to implement key electoral reforms .
Personal Life
Agbamuche Mbu’s background bridging northern and southern Nigeria has given her a broad perspective and a strong sense of national unity This experience has shaped her approach to public service and informs her commitment to impartial leadership and integrity .
Conclusion
May Agbamuche Mbu’s appointment as Acting Chairman of INEC marks a historic moment in Nigeria’s electoral system Her extensive legal expertise commitment to public service and leadership experience make her well suited to guide the commission during this transitional period As the country looks forward to the appointment of a substantive chairman her role will be crucial in maintaining the continuity and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral processes .
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources before making decisions .