KEY POINTS
- Tinubu set to name Amupitan as next INEC boss.
- Presidency aims to restore trust in Nigeria’s INEC.
- Move contrasts Buhari’s delay in 2015 transition.
Barring last-minute changes, 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 today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The move comes as the tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu officially winds down next month. On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Yakubu handed over to the most senior national commissioner, Dame May Agbamuche-Mbu, who is now acting chair.
Tinubu eyes credible successor for Nigeria’s INEC
Three names have reportedly made the shortlist to succeed Yakubu, but insiders say Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, now leads the race. The presidency source said Amupitan “came highly recommended” and has already undergone security screening.
Born in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Kogi State, on April 25, 1967, Amupitan is a Professor of Law specializing in corporate governance, evidence, and privatisation law. His nomination, insiders say, reflects Tinubu’s focus on institutional integrity and electoral credibility.
Presidency seeks to avoid Buhari-era INEC delays
Tinubu’s decision marks a sharp contrast to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s handling of similar transitions. After the exit of Professor Attahiru Jega in 2015, Buhari delayed appointing a substantive INEC chairman for four months—an episode that threw the commission into uncertainty and drew widespread criticism.
Sources said the president’s proactive approach aims to ensure a smooth handover and prevent the controversies that once engulfed Nigeria’s electoral body.
The 1999 Constitution empowers the president to appoint INEC officials, subject to Senate confirmation and consultation with the National Council of State. Tinubu’s move to follow this process, according to analysts, signals a renewed commitment to due process.
Tinubu wants transparency and trust in elections
Presidency aides say Tinubu is personally invested in restoring confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. “He wants to make sure the process of choosing Yakubu’s successor is credible and beyond reproach,” a source said.
Political heavyweights reportedly pressured the president to back their preferred candidates, but he remained unmoved. Tinubu also sought institutional advice from APC Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner known for his impartiality.
Observers note that the president’s choice could define his legacy, much like the global recognition earned by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan for overseeing credible transitions.
Fresh reports also indicate that controversy over INEC’s registration of new political parties some allegedly backed by powerful politicians prompted Yakubu’s early departure. Observers, however, see his exit as part of a broader push to reposition the commission for transparency.
