By Atoyebi Nike
President Bola Tinubu is presiding over a meeting of the Council of State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he is presenting nominees for consideration as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The hybrid session began at 1:29 p.m. on Thursday, 48 hours after Prof. Mahmood Yakubu completed his 10-year tenure as INEC Chairman.
Tinubu presented three nominees Prof. Joash Amupitan, Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman, and Prof. Lai Olurede for the Council’s consideration. All three are legal and academic professionals undergoing screening as Yakubu’s possible successors.
Former Heads of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) joined the meeting virtually, while former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan had yet to join as of press time.
Those physically present include Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several governors are also in attendance.
The Council of State, established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, advises the President on key national matters, including INEC appointments. This is Tinubu’s second Council of State meeting since taking office.
The President is also expected to brief members on the economy, security, and other national issues before forwarding his final INEC chairmanship recommendation to the Senate for confirmation.
