President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is presiding over a Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he is presenting nominees for the INEC Chairman position.
The session began at 1:29 p.m. on Thursday, just 48 hours after Prof. Mahmood Yakubu completed his 10-year tenure as INEC Chairman. His tenure covered two administrations and three general elections.
Three Nominees Under Review
Tinubu will present three nominees:
- Prof. Joash Amupitan
- Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman
- Prof. Lai Olurede
All three are respected legal and academic experts being considered as Yakubu’s successor. Sources said at least five candidates were earlier vetted by the DSS and other security agencies.
Attendance
Former Heads of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) joined virtually. Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan had yet to join at press time.
Those in attendance include:
- Vice President Kashim Shettima
- SGF George Akume
- NSA Nuhu Ribadu
- AGF Lateef Fagbemi (SAN)
- Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila
Also present are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several state governors or their deputies.
Council’s Role
The Council of State, created under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, advises the President on key national issues, including:
- INEC appointments
- National Population Commission
- National Judicial Council matters
This is Tinubu’s second Council of State meeting, after the first in August 2024, held amid nationwide protests.
Agenda
Tinubu will also brief members on the economy, security, and other national matters.
After the meeting, he is expected to submit the Council’s recommendations to the Senate for confirmation of the next INEC Chairman.
