Tinubu Honours Outgoing INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu with National Award

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the completion of his tenure.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who also confirmed that President Tinubu has officially accepted Yakubu’s exit from the commission.

Professor Yakubu stepped down on Tuesday, October 7, after serving two consecutive terms as INEC Chairman, a position he held since 2015.

In line with presidential directives, May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, has taken over as Acting Chairman of the electoral body pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.

According to Onanuga, in a letter dated October 3, 2025, Yakubu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation over the past decade.