May Agbamuche-Mbu, a distinguished legal practitioner with over three decades of experience, has assumed office as the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A seasoned professional, Agbamuche-Mbu brings a blend of legal expertise, administrative acumen, and a deep understanding of public affairs to her new role.
Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, she attended St. Louis Secondary School before proceeding to the University of Ife—now Obafemi Awolowo University—where she earned her Bachelor of Laws degree in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar the following year and later attended the College of Law, London, qualifying as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales.
Agbamuche-Mbu also holds a Master’s degree in Law (LL.M) from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, with a specialization in Commercial and Corporate Law. Her pursuit of excellence led her to complete two additional postgraduate programmes in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law. An expert in Alternative Dispute Resolution, she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria branch, where she once served as Secretary.
Her commitment to national development is reflected in her previous public service roles. Between March 2010 and November 2011, she served as the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC), tasked with evaluating major unfinished public projects across Nigeria. In 2016, she was appointed to the Ministerial Committee that developed the Road Map for the Solid Minerals Sector.
Before joining INEC as a National Commissioner, Agbamuche-Mbu was the Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm, and the Editor of THISDAY LAWYER, a popular weekly legal pullout in THISDAY newspaper. Between 2014 and 2016, she authored 120 legal editorials under her widely read column, Legal Eagle, contributing insightful commentary on national and international legal developments.
Her consistent engagement with public policy and advocacy has earned her a reputation as a thoughtful voice on governance, legal reform, and institutional integrity. As she takes the helm at INEC, May Agbamuche-Mbu’s blend of experience, intellect, and professionalism positions her to steer the Commission through another critical phase of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
