President Bola Tinubu is currently leading a meeting of the Council of State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he is presenting nominees for the role of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The session began at 1:29 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, two days after Prof. Mahmood Yakubu formally stepped down, ending a decade-long tenure that spanned three general elections and two presidential administrations.
A draft agenda shows that Tinubu has put forward three candidates for consideration: Prof. Joash Amupitan, Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman, and Prof. Lai Olurede.
The nominees, drawn from legal and academic circles, have undergone background checks by the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies.
Former Heads of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, are participating virtually, while former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan had yet to join at the time of reporting.
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Key officials present in person 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, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several state governors, or their deputies, are also attending.
The Council of State, established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, advises the President on critical national matters, including appointments to INEC, the National Population Commission, and the National Judicial Council.
President Tinubu is expected to brief members on key issues such as the economy, security, and national development before submitting his final recommendations to the Senate for confirmation.
This meeting highlights the administration’s consultative process in selecting the next INEC Chairman, a position that will play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s electoral landscape ahead of future elections.