The national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has resigned and handed over to May Agbamuche, who is the oldest serving national commissioner in the electoral body, as the acting national chairman.

Mr Yakubu announced the development on Tuesday at the ongoing meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

He solicited the support of the commissioners and directors of the commission for Ms Agbamuche until the appointment of a substantive chairman.

Mr Yakubu is leaving office as INEC chairman, having completed his two-term tenure of 10 years.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to appoint Mr Yakubu’s successor soon, subject to a Senate confirmation.

Mr Yakubu was first appointed the INEC chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari to oversee the activities of the electoral umpire in November 2015, six months after he assumed office as the president.

He completed his first term in office as the electoral body’s chairman in 2020 and was reappointed for a second tenure by Mr Buhari.

Mr Yakubu’s reappointment by Mr Buhari made him the first person to serve as INEC chairman for two terms.