May Agbamuche-Mbu — Biography of the Acting INEC Chairman
Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu on October 7, 2025 assumed office as the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Early life and origin
May Agbamuche-Mbu was born in Kano State but is originally from Delta State. She attended St. Louis Secondary School in Kano during her formative years.
Academic background
She studied law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), graduating with an LLB in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar a year later and subsequently pursued additional professional qualifications, including training in arbitration.
Legal career & professional highlights
Agbamuche-Mbu is a seasoned legal practitioner with more than three decades of experience in both private practice and public service. Her career has included corporate legal work, alternative dispute resolution (arbitration), and leadership roles in professional bodies. She has led a law firm in Lagos and has served on national committees and panels.
Notable professional points
- Arbitration & professional bodies
- She is associated with arbitration practice and holds membership/credentials from professional arbitration institutions.
- Legal journalism & public engagement
- Her background includes contributions to legal discourse, including editorial and columnist roles in legal publications.
Role within INEC
Before becoming Acting Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu served as a National Commissioner at INEC and chaired important internal committees, including those that handle legal services, clearance and complaints. As the most senior National Commissioner she was designated to act pending appointment of a substantive chairman.
Significance of the appointment
Her appointment is largely procedural — following established succession practice — but it comes at a sensitive moment for Nigeria’s electoral calendar. Observers note that her legal background and institutional experience position her to oversee day-to-day operations and to maintain continuity while the process to nominate and confirm a substantive chair proceeds.
Personal & public image
May Agbamuche-Mbu is often described in profiles as calm, legally astute and experienced in handling complex administrative and legal matters. She maintains a relatively private personal life while being active in professional circles and occasionally engaging with civil society and legal reform efforts.