May Agbamuche-Mbu biography reveals her journey as INEC Acting Chairman, legal career, age, husband Patrick Mbu, family, net worth, and achievements in Nigerian electoral governance.

Who is May Agbamuche-Mbu?

May Agbamuche-Mbu is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, public servant, and the current Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Born in Kano State, she hails from Delta State in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone. As a legal practitioner with more than 30 years of professional experience, Agbamuche-Mbu is widely regarded as a thorough administrator and reform advocate.

Her elevation follows INEC’s internal succession procedure, which mandates the most senior Commissioner to assume leadership in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Chairman. She took over from Professor Mahmood Yakubu on October 7, 2025, marking a historic moment as the first woman to lead Nigeria’s electoral body.

Throughout her career, Agbamuche-Mbu has demonstrated exceptional expertise in law, alternative dispute resolution, and public service. Her professional journey spans private legal practice, legal journalism, corporate advisory, and public sector governance. Known for her integrity, calm leadership style, and commitment to institutional reform, she represents a stabilizing presence in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.

Her appointment comes at a crucial time as INEC prepares for upcoming elections and continues implementing electoral reforms aimed at strengthening democracy and ensuring credible elections across Nigeria.

Quick Facts About May Agbamuche-Mbu

Attribute	Details
Full Name	May Agbamuche-Mbu
Date of Birth	1960 (Age: 65 years as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Kano State, Nigeria
State of Origin	Delta State, Nigeria
Geopolitical Zone	South-South
Ethnic Group	Delta Igbo
Nationality	Nigerian
Current Position	Acting Chairman, INEC
Previous Role	National Commissioner, INEC
Husband	Patrick Mbu (Harvard Law School alumnus)
Children	Yes (maintains private family life)
Education	LL.B (1984), LL.M, multiple postgraduate degrees
Years of Experience	30+ years in legal practice
Net Worth	Approximately $500,000 (₦750 million)
Professional Memberships	Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch
Bar Admission	Nigerian Bar (1985), England & Wales

Early Life and Background: Growing Up Between Two Regions

Born in Kano State but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s upbringing in northern Nigeria shaped her broad national outlook and commitment to unity. Her early life reflected a unique blend of cultural influences that would later inform her approach to public service and national integration.

Growing up in Kano exposed young May to the rich cultural tapestry of northern Nigeria while maintaining strong ties to her Delta State roots in the South-South region. This cross-regional upbringing provided her with valuable perspectives on Nigeria’s diversity and the importance of national cohesion, qualities that would later define her public service career.

She began her early education at St. Louis Secondary School, one of the most prestigious institutions in northern Nigeria known for producing accomplished Nigerian women. The school’s emphasis on academic excellence and character development laid a strong foundation for her future achievements in law and public service.

Her formative years in Kano instilled in her an appreciation for Nigeria’s multicultural society and the importance of bridging regional and ethnic divides. This background would later prove invaluable in her role as a national commissioner representing diverse constituencies and eventually as Acting Chairman of INEC, a position that requires sensitivity to Nigeria’s complex political and cultural landscape.

Educational Background: Building Legal Excellence

Undergraduate Studies

Agbamuche-Mbu earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984. The University of Ife, renowned for its strong legal program, provided her with a solid foundation in Nigerian law and jurisprudence. Her time at this prestigious institution exposed her to rigorous legal training and helped develop her analytical and critical thinking skills.

Professional Qualification

After being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, May went on to qualify as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. This dual qualification gave her the unique advantage of practicing law in both Nigerian and English jurisdictions, significantly broadening her legal expertise and international credentials.

Advanced Studies

May earned an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, and completed two postgraduate degrees in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law. These advanced qualifications equipped her with specialized expertise in areas critical to modern legal practice and positioned her as an expert in commercial law, corporate governance, and dispute resolution.

Her comprehensive educational background reflects a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. The combination of Nigerian and international legal training has made her a versatile legal practitioner capable of navigating complex domestic and international legal landscapes.

Professional Career Journey: Three Decades of Excellence

Private Legal Practice

Before joining INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu was the Managing Partner of Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm. In this capacity, she led a team of lawyers providing corporate legal services, commercial advisory, and dispute resolution to clients across various sectors. Her leadership at Norfolk Partners established her reputation as a competent and reliable legal practitioner.

Her law firm specialized in commercial and corporate law, reflecting her academic specialization and providing legal services to both private sector corporations and public sector entities. During her tenure as Managing Partner, she mentored young lawyers and contributed to the development of Nigeria’s legal profession.

Legal Journalism and Public Discourse

She also made notable contributions to legal journalism as the Editor of THISDAY Lawyer, where she authored the widely followed column “Legal Eagle,” publishing more than 120 thought-provoking editorials between 2014 and 2016. Her writings covered critical issues in law, governance, justice, and public policy, influencing national discourse and policy discussions.

Through her “Legal Eagle” column, Agbamuche-Mbu demonstrated her ability to translate complex legal issues into accessible commentary for the general public. Her editorials were known for their analytical depth, fairness, and commitment to justice and good governance.

Public Service Appointments

Presidential Projects Assessment Committee

From 2010 to 2011, she was the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC), evaluating major unfinished public projects nationwide. This role required her to assess infrastructure projects across Nigeria, providing legal oversight and recommendations on project completion and accountability.

Solid Minerals Sector Development

She was also a member of the 2016 Ministerial Committee that developed the Road Map for the Solid Minerals Sector. Her contribution to this strategic policy document demonstrated her versatility and ability to provide legal expertise across different sectors of the economy.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Expertise

A member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch, Agbamuche-Mbu once served as its Secretary and is recognised as an expert in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Her expertise in mediation and arbitration underscores her reputation for fairness and conflict resolution, skills that are particularly valuable in electoral administration.

INEC Career: Leading Nigeria’s Electoral Body

National Commissioner Appointment

Agbamuche-Mbu was appointed as a National Commissioner of INEC in 2016, representing Delta State and the South-South geopolitical zone. During her tenure as National Commissioner, she has been involved in legal and policy reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral processes. She was reappointed in 2022, making her one of the longest-serving members of the Commission.

As National Commissioner, she contributed to various electoral reforms and served on key committees within INEC, including the Legal Services, Clearance, and Complaints Committee. Her legal expertise proved invaluable in addressing electoral disputes and ensuring compliance with electoral laws.

Elevation to Acting Chairman

On October 7, 2025, Agbamuche-Mbu assumed office as Acting Chairman of INEC following the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s ten-year tenure. As the most senior National Commissioner, her elevation followed INEC’s internal succession procedure, which mandates the most senior Commissioner to assume leadership in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Chairman.

Her appointment as Acting Chairman marks a significant moment in Nigerian electoral history, as she becomes the first woman to lead the country’s electoral commission. This milestone reflects both her personal achievements and the gradual progress toward gender inclusivity in Nigeria’s governance structures.

Leadership Style and Priorities

Known for her integrity and commitment to institutional reform, Agbamuche-Mbu has been described by colleagues as a stabilising figure within the Commission. Her appointment has been met with calm acceptance among staff and stakeholders, reflecting confidence in her leadership abilities.

As Acting Chairman, she is expected to focus on ensuring continuity in INEC’s operations, preparing for upcoming elections, implementing ongoing electoral reforms, and maintaining the Commission’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections. Her calm temperament and extensive experience position her well to guide INEC through this transitional period.

Career Timeline & Major Milestones

Year	Milestone
1984	Graduated with LL.B from University of Ife
1985	Called to Nigerian Bar
1985	Qualified as Solicitor, Supreme Court of England and Wales
Late 1980s-1990s	Earned LL.M and postgraduate degrees in London
2000s	Founded/Led Norfolk Partners Law Firm
2010-2011	Served on Presidential Projects Assessment Committee
2014-2016	Editor of THISDAY Lawyer, published 120+ “Legal Eagle” columns
2016	Member, Ministerial Committee for Solid Minerals Sector
2016	Appointed INEC National Commissioner
2022	Reappointed as INEC National Commissioner
October 7, 2025	Became Acting Chairman of INEC

Personal Life: Family and Private Affairs

Marriage and Family

May Agbamuche-Mbu is married to Mr Patrick Mbu, a highly accomplished lawyer and Partner in Advisory & Advocacy at Norfolk Partners. Patrick Mbu is an alumnus of Harvard Law School and is respected in Nigeria’s legal and corporate circles. The couple represents a legal power couple, both having distinguished careers in law and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s legal profession.

The couple share children and maintains a low-profile family life. Reports also indicate that they are blessed with grandchildren, reflecting a close-knit family that values privacy despite their public positions.

Private Nature

Despite her prominent public role, Agbamuche-Mbu maintains a reserved approach to her personal life. She does not have verified social media accounts and rarely discusses her family in public forums. This discretion reflects her belief in separating public service from private matters and allows her to focus on her professional responsibilities without unnecessary distractions.

Her private nature has earned her respect among colleagues and stakeholders who appreciate her focus on substance over publicity. This characteristic has also contributed to her reputation for integrity and professionalism in public service.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

May Agbamuche-Mbu’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000 (approximately ₦750 million Naira as of 2025). This estimation is not Forbes-verified but reflects her decades of successful legal practice, leadership positions, and public service appointments.

Her wealth has been accumulated through legitimate means, including her earnings as Managing Partner of Norfolk Partners, her role as a National Commissioner at INEC, and various consultancy and advisory roles throughout her career. Her financial standing reflects a successful professional career built on expertise, integrity, and dedication to excellence.

As a public servant, her financial declarations are subject to the requirements of Nigerian law regarding public officials. Her reputation for integrity suggests that her financial affairs are conducted with the same professionalism that characterizes her legal and public service career.

Major Achievements and Contributions

Electoral Reform Contributions

During her tenure as National Commissioner and now as Acting Chairman, Agbamuche-Mbu has contributed to significant electoral reforms aimed at improving the credibility of Nigeria’s elections. Her legal expertise has been instrumental in addressing electoral disputes and strengthening INEC’s institutional capacity.

Legal Scholarship and Journalism

Her publication of over 120 legal editorials in THISDAY Lawyer represents a significant contribution to legal scholarship and public discourse in Nigeria. These writings have influenced policy discussions and helped educate the public on important legal and governance issues.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Her work with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and her expertise in ADR have contributed to the development of alternative mechanisms for resolving disputes in Nigeria, reducing the burden on courts and promoting more efficient conflict resolution.

Public Sector Advisory

Her service on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee and the Ministerial Committee for the Solid Minerals Sector demonstrates her ability to contribute expertise across different areas of public policy and governance.

Gender Representation

As the first woman to lead INEC, even in an acting capacity, she represents an important milestone in gender inclusivity in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, inspiring other women to pursue leadership roles in public service.

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Agbamuche-Mbu maintains active membership in several professional organizations:

• Nigerian Bar Association: Active member since 1985
• Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch: Former Secretary and certified arbitrator
• Law Society of England and Wales: As a qualified Solicitor
• Various legal and professional networks: Through her work in corporate law and public service

These memberships reflect her commitment to professional development and her standing within the legal community both in Nigeria and internationally.

Legacy and Impact on Nigerian Democracy

May Agbamuche-Mbu’s career represents a significant contribution to Nigerian democracy and the rule of law. Her work as a legal practitioner, public servant, and now as Acting Chairman of INEC has helped strengthen democratic institutions and promote electoral integrity.

Her legacy includes:

• Strengthening electoral processes: Through her work at INEC
• Promoting legal education: Through her journalism and mentorship
• Advancing alternative dispute resolution: Through her arbitration work
• Breaking gender barriers: As the first woman to lead INEC
• Demonstrating integrity in public service: Through her professional conduct

As Acting Chairman of INEC, she has the opportunity to further consolidate this legacy by ensuring smooth electoral processes and implementing reforms that enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic system.

Conclusion

May Agbamuche-Mbu’s journey from a law student in Kano to becoming the Acting Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission is a testament to dedication, excellence, and integrity. Her career spanning over three decades in legal practice, public service, and electoral administration has positioned her as one of Nigeria’s most respected legal minds and public servants.

Her appointment as Acting Chairman of INEC marks a historic moment for Nigeria, representing both her personal achievement and a step forward in gender representation in governance. With her extensive experience, calm leadership style, and commitment to institutional reform, she is well-positioned to guide INEC through this transitional period and contribute to the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

As she leads INEC in preparing for future elections and implementing electoral reforms, her legacy continues to evolve, promising lasting contributions to Nigerian democracy and the rule of law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How old is May Agbamuche-Mbu?

May Agbamuche-Mbu was born in 1960, making her 65 years old as of 2025.

2. Who is May Agbamuche-Mbu’s husband?

May Agbamuche-Mbu is married to Mr Patrick Mbu, a highly accomplished lawyer and Partner at Norfolk Partners who is an alumnus of Harvard Law School.

3. Does May Agbamuche-Mbu have children?

Yes, May Agbamuche-Mbu is married and blessed with children and grandchildren, though she maintains a private family life.

4. What is May Agbamuche-Mbu’s state of origin?

May Agbamuche-Mbu hails from Delta State in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, though she was born in Kano State.

5. What is May Agbamuche-Mbu’s educational background?

She earned an LL.B from University of Ife in 1984, qualified as a Solicitor in England and Wales, and holds an LL.M in Commercial and Corporate Law plus postgraduate degrees in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.

6. When did May Agbamuche-Mbu become INEC Acting Chairman?

May Agbamuche-Mbu became Acting Chairman of INEC on October 7, 2025, following the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure.

7. What is May Agbamuche-Mbu’s net worth?

May Agbamuche-Mbu’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000 (approximately ₦750 million), accumulated through her legal practice and public service career.

8. Is May Agbamuche-Mbu the first female INEC Chairman?

Yes, May Agbamuche-Mbu is the first woman to lead INEC, even in an acting capacity, marking a historic milestone in Nigerian electoral history.

9. What law firm did May Agbamuche-Mbu manage?

Before joining INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu was the Managing Partner of Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm.

10. How many years of legal experience does May Agbamuche-Mbu have?

May Agbamuche-Mbu is a legal practitioner with more than 30 years of professional experience, spanning private practice, public service, and electoral administration.