Nigeria, Oct. 7 -- A month to the expiration of his tenure as INEC Chairperson, Mahmood Yakubu, a professor, has begun his pre-exit leave.

Mr Yakubu, on Tuesday, also handed over the affairs of the commission to May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner.

Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu is now the acting chairperson of the commission pending the appointment of a substantive head of the electoral body.

Mr Yakubu handed over her today at the ongoing meeting of the commission with other National Commissioners and the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) present.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to nominate a new chairperson and send to the National Assembly for confirmation and subsequent swearing-in.

Mr Yakubu's tenure is expected ...