By Obinna Uballa
Nigeria’s electoral body is on the cusp of new leadership following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu after a 10-year tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday.
Multiple presidency and commission sources indicate that the frontrunner to succeed him is Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, according to Daily Trust report.
Amupitan is said to be the favourite among three names under consideration, the others being Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Professor Lai Olurode, a former INEC National Commissioner, the report said.
Yakubu, the longest-serving electoral chief in Nigeria’s history, handed over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner who will serve in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.
In a farewell address after meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja, Yakubu said he was stepping aside “to enable my successor settle down to the task of conducting elections and electoral activities,” in line with constitutional provisions.
According to Daily Trust, sources confirmed that President Bola Tinubu is expected to present his preferred nominee to the National Council of State on Thursday, after which the formal announcement will be made.
Amupitan in Focus
Born in Kogi State in 1967, Amupitan is a respected academic and legal scholar with expertise in evidence law, corporate governance, and electoral reform. A prolific researcher with over 50 publications, he has held several senior academic positions at the University of Jos, and is a member of multiple professional associations including the Nigerian Bar Association.
Former lawmaker Timothy Golu, who studied under Amupitan, described him as “a well-respected lecturer and administrator who is approachable and principled,” adding that he has no doubt in his ability to discharge the role credibly.
Other Contenders
Justice Abdullahi Liman, from Nasarawa State, is best known for high-profile rulings including the restraining order on the reinstatement of former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
Professor Lai Olurode, a sociologist and former UNILAG dean, previously served as an INEC National Commissioner overseeing Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti States.
Transition and Reforms
INEC insiders stress that Yakubu’s exit will not disrupt preparations for upcoming elections, as most processes are already in place. Former INEC director Nick Dazang noted that “the commission is a continuum” and will continue to function effectively under its institutional framework.
Yakubu is the first INEC chair to complete two terms, earning him the distinction of longest-serving helmsman. President Tinubu, in a statement, praised his service and conferred on him the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen has urged lawmakers to accelerate the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, stressing the need to conclude reforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
