Power Brokers Jostle As Tinubu Picks Successor To Yakubu

…Aso Rock weighs loyalty, competence in final decision

Daud Olatunji

 Intense lobbying among political heavyweights has gripped Aso Rock as President Bola Tinubu finalises the appointment of a new chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Barring last-minute adjustments, the President is expected to present his preferred nominee, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, to the National Council of State for approval today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Professor Amupitan, a renowned legal scholar and current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Jos, hails from Aiyetoro-Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He specialises in Corporate Law, Governance, and the Law of Evidence, and is said to have “passed security screening with distinction.”

The development comes barely a month before the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as INEC chairman.

Yakubu formally handed over to the most senior National Commissioner, Dame May Agbamuche-Mbu, on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the transition process.

Lobbying, Pressure Mount In Aso Rock

Multiple sources confirmed to PLATFORM TIMES that the race for Yakubu’s replacement has generated significant interest among political actors, former election officials, and power brokers.

Names of at least three contenders were reportedly pushed forward by influential figures close to the corridors of power. However, President Tinubu is said to have resisted external pressure and maintained a “calculated, independent approach.”

“The President knows how delicate this appointment is,” a top Presidency source revealed.

“He is balancing loyalty with competence. He wants someone who can run INEC independently but also protect the integrity of his administration.”

The source added that Tinubu was determined to avoid the controversy that trailed former President Muhammadu Buhari’s delayed appointment of a substantive INEC chairman in 2015, which drew criticism for alleged nepotism and indecision.

Tinubu Seeks To Avoid Buhari’s 2015 Misstep

In 2015, following the exit of Professor Attahiru Jega, Buhari appointed Mrs Amina Zakari, a relative, as acting INEC chair — a move that provoked outrage and delayed Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s eventual confirmation by nearly four months.

“This time, the President wants no leadership vacuum,” another insider noted. “He believes the credibility of INEC is central to Nigeria’s democratic image and his own political legacy.”

APC Chair Consulted, But Keeps Distance

It was learnt that the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who once served as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State, was consulted during the screening process.

However, insiders said Yilwatda offered “institutional advice” and steered clear of interference to avoid negative optics.

“He didn’t want it to look like the party was imposing anyone on the President,” a presidency official said.

Tinubu Eyes Credibility Legacy

Analysts believe Tinubu’s handling of the INEC leadership transition could define his democratic legacy.

“History will remember him either as the president who restored credibility to elections or one who compromised it,” said a political analyst in Abuja.

Past leaders such as General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the analyst noted, earned global respect for overseeing credible transitions — a precedent Tinubu is keen to emulate.

Yakubu’s Exit Sparks Quiet Controversy

Meanwhile, PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Yakubu’s early handover may have been prompted by behind-the-scenes disagreements.
INEC’s recent registration of several new political parties reportedly angered a sitting South-East governor, who accused the commission of approving one party allegedly linked to his political rival.

Presidency sources hinted that the situation “accelerated Yakubu’s quiet exit” to prevent further political tension.

If the National Council of State gives its nod today, Professor Amupitan is expected to be officially announced as Nigeria’s new INEC chairman before the end of the week — marking the beginning of a new era for the nation’s electoral body.

‘

‘

Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE