President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently chairing a crucial meeting of the Council of State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he is expected to submit three nominees for consideration as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The hybrid session, which commenced at 1:29 p.m. on Thursday, follows the recent exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who completed his 10-year tenure as INEC Chairman. Yakubu’s leadership spanned two administrations and oversaw three general elections, marking the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s electoral journey.
Three Nominees Under Consideration
According to the meeting’s draft agenda obtained prior to the closed-door session, President Tinubu is presenting three distinguished nominees for the Council’s evaluation. They include Professor Joash Amupitan, Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman, and Professor Lai Olurede — all respected figures in law and academia.
Their names are being deliberated upon as potential successors to Professor Yakubu, who served as the 12th Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Sources revealed that at least five candidates were earlier subjected to background screenings by the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies before the list was narrowed down to the current three.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The meeting witnessed a high-level turnout of Nigeria’s political and institutional leaders. In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (Senior Advocate of Nigeria), and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Also present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and several state governors, with some represented by their deputies.
Meanwhile, former Heads of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retired) and General Ibrahim Babangida (retired) joined the meeting virtually. Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were yet to join at the time of filing this report.
Council’s Constitutional Role
The Council of State, established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), plays a vital advisory role to the President on national issues. Among its duties are providing counsel on appointments to key government institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Population Commission (NPC), and the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Thursday’s session marks the second Council of State meeting under President Tinubu’s administration. The first was held in August 2024, following nationwide demonstrations over economic challenges and governance issues.
Focus on Economy and National Security
President Tinubu is also expected to brief the Council on pressing national matters, including the economy, security, and social welfare. Insiders revealed that the President’s final recommendations on the INEC chairmanship will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation after the Council’s deliberation concludes.
Observers say this nomination process will be pivotal in shaping the future of Nigeria’s electoral system as the country prepares for future off-cycle and general elections.
Expert Opinions and Political Reactions
Political analysts have emphasized the importance of transparency and competence in the selection of the next electoral umpire. According to them, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s leadership plays a central role in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy, ensuring free and fair elections, and boosting citizens’ confidence in the political process.
As deliberations continue, attention remains fixed on who among the nominees will be endorsed to steer Nigeria’s electoral body in the coming years.
Okay News reports that the Council of State’s recommendations will not only influence the trajectory of electoral administration but will also serve as a litmus test for President Tinubu’s commitment to credible and inclusive governance.
