Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assumed office as the Acting Chairman of the commission following the formal handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who has proceeded on terminal leave.
The handover was announced on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Agbamuche-Mbu, a seasoned legal practitioner with over three decades of professional experience, steps into the leadership role at a crucial time as the commission intensifies efforts to deepen democratic processes and ensure credible elections across the country.
Early Life and Background
Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu grew up in northern Nigeria, an experience that shaped her national outlook and commitment to unity. Her multicultural background has continued to influence her approach to public service and governance.
Education
She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, before obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.
Agbamuche-Mbu later trained at the College of Law, London, and qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. She also earned a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London.
In addition, she holds postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
Professional Career
With more than 30 years of legal practice, Agbamuche-Mbu has advised clients across both public and private sectors. Before her appointment to INEC, she served as Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm.
READ ALSO: Yakubu Hands Over INEC Leadership to Agbamuche-Mbu as Acting Chairman
Between 2010 and 2011, she was the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee, which evaluated major federal projects across the country. She also served on the Ministerial Committee that drafted the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector in 2016.
Role in INEC
Appointed as a National Commissioner in 2016, Agbamuche-Mbu has played a key role in several electoral reforms and legal policy initiatives within the commission. Her appointment as Acting Chairman follows years of steady service and involvement in efforts to improve Nigeria’s electoral administration.
Contributions to Legal Development
A certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria), Agbamuche-Mbu has made notable contributions to the field of law and governance.
As editor of THISDAY LAWYER, she wrote more than 120 editions of her popular “Legal Eagle” column between 2014 and 2016, offering insight on law, justice, and public policy.
Personal Life
Agbamuche-Mbu maintains a private lifestyle and keeps her family life away from public attention. Nonetheless, her professional achievements and contributions to governance have earned her respect within Nigeria’s legal and electoral communities.
Her assumption of office as Acting INEC Chairman comes at a pivotal time as the commission prepares for upcoming elections and continues implementing reforms to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
