INEC Leadership Shake-Up: Amupitan Favoured Amid Rising Speculation Over Yakubu’s Successor

The stage is now set for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to announce a new Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who on Tuesday formally ended his 10-year tenure.

According to presidency insiders cited by Daily Trust, the shortlist for Yakubu’s successor has been narrowed to three names: Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman, and Professor Lai Olurode. Of the trio, Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, is said to be the leading contender.

Yakubu stepped down after a consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at INEC headquarters in Abuja, handing over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner, who will serve in acting capacity. Explaining his decision, he noted that it was necessary to allow his successor to settle quickly into the task of steering Nigeria’s complex electoral system.

Sources revealed that Yakubu had initially considered resigning in June but stayed on until October to ensure a smooth transition. President Tinubu is expected to present his nominee to the National Council of State in Abuja on Thursday, after which the official announcement will be made.

The Front-Runners

Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
Born April 25, 1967, in Kogi State, Amupitan is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos with expertise in Corporate Governance, Privatisation Law, and Electoral Law reforms. He has served as Dean of the Faculty of Law, Head of Department, and member of several governing councils. Colleagues describe him as approachable, experienced, and capable of discharging the duties of INEC Chairman.

Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman
A retired Justice of the Court of Appeal from Nasarawa State, Liman was called to the Bar in 1984 and has over 25 years on the bench. He has handled several high-profile cases, including rulings involving the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as Emir of Kano and the suspension saga of former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

Professor Lai Olurode
A first-class graduate of Sociology from UNILAG, Olurode also holds an LL.B in Law. He became a professor of Sociology in 2000 and served as INEC National Commissioner from 2010, overseeing Oyo, Ogun, and Ekiti States. With over 40 years in academia, he is noted for his administrative and electoral experience.

Meanwhile, Yakubu has already completed preparations for the upcoming Anambra governorship election, leaving only campaign closure and the election itself pending. According to former INEC Director Nick Dazang, his exit will not affect the commission’s operations, as the institution remains a continuum supported by RECs, directors, and administrative staff.