May Agbamuche-Mbu: The Making of The First Female INEC Umpire
By Morris Nor// A National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, has officially assumed office as the Acting Chairman of the electoral body following the handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on terminal leave.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. Agbamuche-Mbu, one of the longest-serving National Commissioners, now assumes leadership at a critical time as the commission continues to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and electoral processes.
Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s multicultural background has shaped her inclusive outlook and commitment to national unity. She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, before proceeding to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and later qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales.
She also holds a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, as well as postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.
Before joining INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu was the Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm, and served as the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (2010–2011). She also contributed to drafting the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector in 2016.
As a National Commissioner since 2016, she has played a significant role in legal and policy reforms within the commission. Her elevation to Acting Chairman marks a continuation of her long-standing dedication to strengthening the nation’s electoral process.
Agbamuche-Mbu is a certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). She is also known for her thought leadership as editor of THISDAY LAWYER, where her widely read column “Legal Eagle” shaped public discourse on law, governance, and policy.
Though she maintains a private personal life, her professional record stands as one of excellence and integrity. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for INEC as it prepares for upcoming elections and continues to implement key electoral reforms aimed at deepening Nigeria’s democracy.
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