By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
May Agbamuche-Mbu, a seasoned legal practitioner with over three decades of experience, has been appointed Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the exit of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche embodies a blend of northern and southern Nigerian roots. Her early exposure to diverse cultures has been credited with shaping her strong sense of national unity and public service.
She began her educational journey at St. Louis Secondary School in Kano before proceeding to the University of Ife, where she earned her LLB in 1984. She was later called to the Nigerian Bar and subsequently qualified as a Solicitor in England and Wales. Expanding her expertise, she obtained an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law, along with postgraduate degrees in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
Her global perspective on law and governance has been reinforced by her training and practice both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. This cross-border experience has become a defining factor in her professional career.
Agbamuche-Mbu is also a certified arbitrator and once served as Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). Between 2014 and 2016, she authored over 120 widely read “LEGAL EAGLE” editorials, where she provided sharp legal commentary on governance, constitutional issues, and public policy.
Beyond her editorial contributions, she has held influential positions within the Presidential Policy Advisory Committee (PPAC) and INEC’s Legal Unit, helping to shape critical reforms in Nigeria’s electoral framework.
Despite her public career, Agbamuche-Mbu maintains a private personal life. While her hyphenated surname suggests marital ties, she has consistently kept family matters out of the spotlight, allowing her professional record to speak for her.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for INEC, with rising public expectations for credible, transparent, and technology-driven elections. Observers say her legal acumen, arbitration skills, and dual Nigerian-English legal background will be instrumental in guiding the commission into its next phase.