Yakubu highlighted his exit from INEC

Former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said on Tuesday he was stepping down from his seat to pave the way for someone else to lead the commission.

Yakubu earlier on Tuesday handed over to a National Commissioner, Ms. May AgbameChe-MBU, as Acting Chair of the Commission.

The brief handover ceremony took place during INEC’s regular consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

He said his exit would also allow the person taking over to quickly complete the task of conducting elections and election activities.

The former chairman said he knows the enormity of the challenge ahead, having had the privilege of serving on the commission for 10 years, with only weeks left to serve.

He was appointed chairman of INEC by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2015.

Yakubu said: “I have taken the decision and delivered the same as provided by Section 36, Subsections 1 and 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

“Meanwhile, I handed over one of the most senior national commissioners by date of appointment.

“After consultation with other national commissioners, Ms. May Agbamuchembu will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of the Substantive Chair of the Commission.

READ ALSO: Just In: Yakubu Steps aside, AgbameChe-MBU takes over as INEC Acting Chairman

“I hope this will give the Appointing Authority sufficient time to appoint a new Chair.

“It will also enable the new chairman to quickly complete the task of conducting elections and electoral activities in Africa’s most demographic and logistical environment.”

He expressed appreciation to the commission members and recs for the excellent working relationship they share.

He noted that since 2015, he has worked with 24 national commissioners and 67 recs.

Yakubu stressed that he would forever appreciate the support of successive secretaries and INEC staff nationwide.

“Together, we innovated and managed the Commission’s enormous responsibilities, sometimes on the verge of collapse,” he recalled.

He also appreciated the support of the National Assembly, Political Parties, National Peace Committee, Civil Society, Media, Trade Unions, Security Agencies, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and other stakeholders.

“Above all, I thank the Nigerian people for their comments and criticism, which encouraged rather than discouraged us from defending,” he said.