ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu is expected to present his nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the National Council of State at Aso Rock, Abuja, today—barring any last-minute change in plans.
The tenure of the current INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, officially expires next month. Earlier this week, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Yakubu handed over to Dame May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, as acting head of the commission.
Among the three names reportedly shortlisted to succeed Yakubu, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan has emerged as the frontrunner. Amupitan, who hails from Aiyetoro-Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has “undergone security screening” and is said to have come “highly recommended.”
Currently serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Amupitan is a seasoned Professor of Law, specializing in Evidence Law, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatisation Law. Born on April 25, 1967, he has spent many years in academia and legal scholarship.
Constitutional Framework for INEC Appointments
Appointments into INEC are guided by Section 153(1) and the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which define the commission’s composition and qualifications for appointees. Both the Constitution and the Electoral Act require non-partisan, qualified individuals for such positions.
However, President Tinubu’s earlier appointments of certain National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) were made without the constitutionally required consultation with the Council of State. Some of those appointees have already been confirmed by the Senate and sworn in.
This development prompted concerns from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which criticized the president for allegedly appointing known members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) into INEC leadership roles.
Tinubu’s Approach: Avoiding Past Mistakes
Sources within the presidency indicate that President Tinubu is taking a personal interest in ensuring a credible and transparent process this time. His decision marks a departure from the approach of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who delayed INEC leadership appointments during his administration.
When Professor Attahiru Jega’s tenure ended in 2015, Buhari failed to appoint a substantive chairman promptly, creating a leadership vacuum that stirred public controversy. Jega had handed over to Ambassador Ahmed Wali, the most senior National Commissioner, but Buhari reversed the decision within 24 hours, appointing Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari—his relative—as acting INEC head.
The move attracted widespread criticism over nepotism and lack of due process. It was not until October 21, 2015, nearly four months later, that Buhari named Mahmood Yakubu as substantive INEC Chairman.
By contrast, Tinubu’s proactive move to select a successor before Yakubu’s exit is seen as a strategic step to maintain institutional continuity and credibility.
Tinubu’s Focus on Credibility and Trust
Presidency insiders emphasize that Tinubu understands the critical role of credible elections in sustaining public confidence and international reputation. According to a source close to the president, Tinubu’s earlier suggestion to deploy NYSC members for the upcoming national census was aimed not only at cost reduction but also at ensuring transparency and accountability.
The same principle reportedly guides his choice of INEC chairman—he wants someone capable of restoring and strengthening Nigerians’ trust in the electoral system.
Despite intense lobbying from influential politicians seeking to insert their preferred candidates into the selection process, Tinubu has reportedly resisted pressure. He is said to have maintained a calm, independent stance throughout, determined to prioritize competence and integrity over political loyalty.
Institutional Input from APC Chairman
It was also gathered that APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who served as INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State from 2017 to 2021, provided institutional insights during the process. Yilwatda, known for his objectivity, reportedly advised without attempting to influence Tinubu’s decision—ensuring the process remained transparent and professional.
What Tinubu Stands to Gain
Observers note that credible elections are part of the enduring legacies of past Nigerian leaders. Former President Goodluck Jonathan continues to enjoy international respect for overseeing the 2015 elections widely regarded as free and fair. Similarly, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo are celebrated for overseeing credible transitions in 1999 and 1979 respectively.
Tinubu’s handling of the forthcoming INEC appointment will therefore shape both his domestic credibility and international standing. By appointing a respected, impartial figure, he stands to reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Why Yakubu’s Exit Came Early
Meanwhile, fresh information indicates that the registration of new political parties under Yakubu’s leadership contributed to his early departure. Having approved about a dozen new parties out of over 100 pending applications, Yakubu intended to leave a lasting institutional legacy.
However, one of the newly registered parties was allegedly linked to a powerful politician’s backup plan to contest a governorship election in a South-East state. The sitting governor of that state reportedly raised objections at the presidency, leading to directives for Yakubu to hand over to the most senior commissioner earlier than planned.
With this handover complete, attention now shifts to President Tinubu, whose next move—presenting his nominee to the Council of State—will determine the leadership direction of Nigeria’s electoral body ahead of future elections.
