May Agbamuche-Mbu has been appointed as the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stepping into one of Nigeria’s most critical and scrutinized roles.
Her elevation comes at a pivotal juncture, with the nation just two years away from its next major electoral contest and the Commission facing intense public scrutiny over logistics, voter confidence, and the transparency of the electoral process.
A figure deeply embedded in the fabric of INEC’s operations, Agbamuche-Mbu is no stranger to the immense responsibilities she now shoulders, bringing with her nearly a decade of experience as a National Commissioner and a reputation for meticulous adherence to due process.
Her journey to this leadership position is a narrative of rigorous preparation across multiple disciplines and geographies.
Born in Kano to parents from Delta State, her multicultural upbringing provided an early lens through which to appreciate Nigeria’s complex diversity—an invaluable asset for an electoral chief.
Her academic and legal training is both extensive and international; after earning her LLB from the University of Ife and being called to the Nigerian Bar, she qualified as a Solicitor in England and Wales and pursued advanced postgraduate studies in London.
This global legal perspective, focusing on commercial law and international dispute resolution, equipped her with a unique understanding of institutional accountability and governance long before her return to Nigerian public service.
Before answering the call to public service, Agbamuche-Mbu had already carved out a distinguished career. She served as the Managing Partner of a Lagos-based commercial law firm and, simultaneously, established herself as a formidable voice in legal journalism as the Editor of THISDAY LAWYER. Through her column, “Legal Eagle,” she authored over 120 editorials, offering sharp commentary on governance and the rule of law.
Her transition into public policy was marked by significant roles, including serving as the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee and contributing to the drafting of the Road Map for the Solid Minerals Sector.
This blend of high-stakes legal practice, media insight, and policy drafting has created a leader with a rare and holistic understanding of national issues.
Now at the helm of INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu faces the formidable task of steering Nigeria’s democratic machinery toward greater credibility and public trust.
As the longest-serving commissioner, her appointment represents a deliberate choice for experienced, steady leadership. Known for her quiet confidence and legal discipline, she is expected to bring a reformist energy grounded in deep institutional knowledge.
For a nation perpetually in pursuit of electoral integrity, her leadership offers a promise of a steady hand on the wheel, guided by a career dedicated to the principles of law, order, and diligent service.
