- Five candidates were subjected to background checks by the Department of State Services
- All three nominees are legal and academic professionals being evaluated as possible successors to Yakubu
- This marks Tinubu’s second Council of State meeting since assuming office
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday presided over a meeting of the Council of State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he is expected to present nominees for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the hybrid meeting, which began at 1:29 p.m., comes two days after Professor Mahmood Yakubu completed his ten-year tenure as INEC Chairman, which covered two administrations and three general elections.
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According to a draft agenda obtained, the meeting went into a closed-door session, and the President will present three nominees for consideration: Professor Joash Amupitan, Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman, and Professor Lai Olurede. All three nominees are legal and academic professionals being evaluated as possible successors to Yakubu.
Reports indicate that at least five candidates were subjected to background checks by the Department of State Services and other security agencies before the final shortlist was made.
Former Heads of State, Generals Abdulsalami Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida, attended virtually, while former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were yet to join as of press time.
Those physically present at the meeting 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, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several state governors also attended, with some represented by their deputies.
The Council of State, established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, advises the President on major national matters, including appointments to key agencies such as INEC and the National Judicial Council.
This marks Tinubu’s second Council of State meeting since assuming office, following the first in August 2024.
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