may agbamuche mbu biography

May Agbamuche‑Mbu

Here is the biography of May Agbamuche-Mbu, highlighting her background, education, career and key achievements:

Early Life & Education

• She was born in Kano State, Nigeria, but is originally from Delta State (South-South Nigeria).
• Her secondary education included attendance at St. Louis Secondary School in Kano.
• For tertiary education:
  • She obtained an LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) degree in 1984 from the Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife) in Nigeria.
  • She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.
  • She went on to further studies in the UK: qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales via the College of Law in London; obtained an LL.M in Commercial & Corporate Law from Queen Mary University of London & Westfield College; also holds postgraduate credentials in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.

Legal & Professional Career

• She has over 30 years of legal practice experience in both the public and private sectors.
• Prior to her role at the electoral body:
  • She was Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm.
  • She served as the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC) between March 2010 and November 2011, assessing incomplete federal infrastructure projects.
  • She was on the Ministerial Committee (in 2016) that developed a strategic roadmap for Nigeria’s Solid Minerals sector.
• She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) (Nigeria branch), having served as its secretary—showing her proficiency in alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
• She also contributed to legal journalism: between 2014 and 2016 she wrote over 120 editorials under the column “Legal Eagle” for the legal feature of the Newspaper ThisDay.

Role in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

• She was appointed National Commissioner of INEC representing Delta State starting in 2016.
• She served as the head of INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance & Complaints Committee (LSCCC) — a key body for legal compliance and candidate vetting.
• Upon the completion of the tenure of the previous INEC Chairman (Prof. Mahmood Yakubu) on 7 October 2025, May Agbamuche-Mbu, being the most senior National Commissioner, was appointed Acting National Chairman of INEC, effective 7-9 October 2025

Significance & Personal Attributes

• Her elevation to Acting INEC Chair marked a notable step — as she became the first woman to hold that top role (even if temporarily) in Nigeria’s electoral commission.
• She is known for her professionalism, depth of legal expertise, diligence in ADR, and commitment to governance reform. (Sources describe her as a stabilising and reform-oriented figure in INEC.)
• Personal life details are kept fairly private; media commentary emphasises her work rather than personal biography.

Summary

May Agbamuche-Mbu is a veteran legal practitioner from Delta State, educated both in Nigeria and the UK, with decades of experience spanning litigation, arbitration, legal commentary and public service. Her longstanding tenure at INEC culminated in her appointment as Acting Chair in October 2025, positioning her at the centre of Nigeria’s electoral framework during a critical juncture.