May Agbamuche-Mbu Biography: All You Need To Know About Inec’s New Acting Chairman

Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu is a respected legal practitioner, administrator, and the most senior National Commissioner in INEC. She stepped into the national spotlight after taking over as the INEC’s Acting Chairman following the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure on October 7, 2025.

Her appointment, even though it’s temporary, makes her Nigeria’s first female INEC chairman. Who is the woman now tasked with overseeing Nigeria’s electoral processes? This article digs into the life of May Agbamuche-Mbu. If you have been looking for information about her biography, background, education, and career, you are in the right place.

Who Is May Agbamuche-Mbu? (Quick Facts)

Early Life and Education

May Agbamuche-Mbu’s story begins in the vibrant city of Kano, where she was born and raised. Though an indigene of Delta State, her upbringing in the north influenced her national outlook. She attended the prestigious St. Louis Secondary School, an institution known for molding many of Nigeria’s accomplished women.

Her passion for justice led her to the renowned University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she earned her Law degree (LL.B.) in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, officially beginning her legal journey. But her thirst for knowledge was global. She later moved to the United Kingdom, qualifying as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales after completing her studies at the College of Law, London.

She also bagged a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London. Other postgraduate qualifications include degrees in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law, respectively.

Career

May Agbamuche-Mbu didn’t just practice law; she mastered it. With over 30 years of experience, she became a force in corporate and commercial law, advising clients in Nigeria and abroad.

She was the Managing Partner of Norfolk Partners, a successful Lagos-based law firm where she not only provided top-tier legal services but also mentored the next generation of lawyers. Her expertise particularly shone in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR); as a member and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, where she built a solid reputation as a fair and skilled mediator.

Away from the courtroom, May had a powerful voice. She served as the Editor of THISDAY LAWYER and authored the influential “LEGAL EAGLE” column. She published over 120 thought-provoking editorials under her column, analyzing and dissecting complex legal issues, and influenced public policy.

Her career and work are impressive for a woman, and have proven her as a leading intellectual in the Nigerian legal landscape.

Her commitment to nation-building was also evident in her public service. She served as the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC), evaluating major national projects, and later helped draft the Road Map for Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector.

In 2016, May Agbamuche-Mbu brought her wealth of experience to the heart of Nigerian democracy when she was appointed a National Commissioner of INEC.

For years, she worked diligently behind the scenes, earning the respect of her colleagues as a “stabilizing figure” and a “thorough administrator.”

In October 2025, following the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, her moment to lead arrived. As the oldest serving National Commissioner, she was unanimously appointed the Acting Chairman of INEC, making her the first woman to ever hold this position.

Personal Life

May Agbamuche-Mbu is known to be a deeply private person. She keeps her personal life away from the eyes of the public. While little is known about her private life and family, it is believed she is a devout Christian and a dedicated family woman.

She successfully balances her high-profile career with her family life, serving as an inspiration to many professional women.

While her role as INEC Acting Chairman is her most prominent national position, her legacy is built on a lifetime of achievement:

Her legacy is one of breaking barriers through quiet competence, showing that profound impact is often made through consistent dedication and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About May Agbamuche-Mbu

1. Is May Agbamuche-Mbu the new INEC Chairman?

She is currently the Acting Chairman of INEC. She assumed the role in an interim capacity after Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure ended, and will lead the commission until a substantive chairman is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Professor Joash Amupitan has been appointed the new INEC chairman by President Bola Tinubu.

2. What is her state of origin?

She is from Delta State in the South-South region of Nigeria, though she was born and raised in Kano State.

3. Why is she qualified to be INEC Acting Chairman?

With over 30 years as a lawyer, expertise in dispute resolution, service on key government committees, and years of experience as an INEC National Commissioner, she is widely regarded as one of the most qualified and experienced individuals for the role.

4. Is she the first woman in this role?

Her appointment as Acting Chairman marks the first time a woman has held this position in INEC’s history.

5. What is her background in journalism?

She was the Editor of THISDAY LAWYER and wrote the popular “LEGAL EAGLE” column, where she published over 120 articles on law and policy.