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President Tinubu presides over high-level Council of State meeting in Abuja.
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Three nominees presented to replace outgoing INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
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Session reviews national issues including economy, security, and governance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday presided over a high-powered meeting of the Council of State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he presented 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., comes barely 48 hours after Prof. Mahmood Yakubu concluded his decade-long tenure as INEC Chairman — a period that spanned two administrations and three general elections.
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According to a draft agenda obtained by The Punch, the three nominees presented for the Council’s consideration are Prof. Joash Amupitan, Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman, and Prof. Lai Olurede — all distinguished legal and academic professionals.
The trio are being screened as potential successors to Prof. Yakubu, whose exit has triggered renewed calls for deeper electoral reforms and institutional transparency ahead of the 2027 polls.
In attendance at the meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several state governors were also present, with some represented by their deputies.
Former Heads of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), joined the session virtually, while former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were yet to log in at the time of filing this report.
Established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Council of State serves as an advisory body to the President on critical national issues, including appointments into key institutions such as the INEC, National Population Commission, and National Judicial Council.
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Thursday’s meeting marks the second Council of State session under the Tinubu administration — the first having been convened in August 2024 amid nationwide protests.
President Tinubu is also expected to brief the Council on the state of the economy, security challenges, and other governance matters before forwarding his final recommendations to the Senate for confirmation.
