Following the 2022 Maguindanao division plebiscite of September 17, 2022, Maguindanao was split into Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte provinces.[5] The charter legislation of the two provinces, Republic Act No. 11550, provides for acting governors for the newly formed subdivisions. Mariam Mangudadatu, the last governor of Maguindanao, was supposed to assume the position of governor of Maguindanao del Sur. However, this was uncertain, since the relevant provision which dictates the initial province officials presumes that the plebiscite would be held before the May 2022 national elections but the division vote was postponed after that date.[6][7]
Mangudadatu would assume the position of governor of Maguindanao del Norte nevertheless,[8] which was unrecognized by the Bangsamoro regional government.[9]
Mangudadatu would be affirmed as governor of the province, when President Bongbong Marcos named her as Officer in Charge (OIC) of the province on April 5, 2023. Midtimbang likewise was named OIC vice governor.[10] However she would oppose the appointment as OIC, believing she already has mandate to be acting governor as per the province's charter law.[11] However, she took oath as OIC of the province on April 28, 2023.[12]