Bandits kidnap INEC staff in Kogi.

Unidentified gunmen on Tuesday abducted staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, along Aloma Road in Kogi State.

The victims, all female staff, were reportedly travelling from Abuja to Anambra State on an official assignment ahead of the forthcoming governorship election when the incident occurred.

The assailants were said to have blocked the highway, fired shots at the vehicle, and shattered its windscreen. None of the occupants of the vehicle was hit by the bullets.

The INEC officials were reportedly deployed to Anambra for the printing of the voters’ register and other election materials in preparation for the governorship poll scheduled for the first week of November.

The gunmen were said to have abducted all the occupants of the bus, including the driver and his wife.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful.

Forgery Allegation Deepens PDP Crisis Ahead Of November Convention.

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a fresh twist after the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector General of Police over an alleged forgery of his signature.

In petitions dated October 15 and submitted on October 16, Anyanwu denied signing the August 29 letter sent to INEC concerning the party’s planned November 15–16 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In his letter titled “RE: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Year 2025 Elective National Convention: Petition Against Forgery and Cloning of My Signature”, Anyanwu insisted that the correspondence purportedly bearing his signature was neither signed nor authorised by him.

He urged the DSS and the police to immediately investigate what he described as a case of forgery capable of undermining the party’s integrity ahead of its convention.

The controversy comes amid a pending suit filed by aggrieved party chieftains seeking to halt the exercise. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia states, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Abraham Nnanna, alongside the South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah Alabah George, accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee of breaching the party’s constitution and internal election rules.

Defendants in the case include INEC, the PDP, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, and other senior officials.

At Tuesday’s sitting, the court adjourned proceedings to October 20, after a dispute erupted over who was authorised to represent the PDP in court.

Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) and Chris Uche (SAN) both claimed the mandate, prompting Justice James Omotosho to order them to present proof of authorisation. He directed all parties to exchange documents by October 17.

New INEC Chairman Vows to Make Elections So Credible Even Losers Will Congratulate Winners.

Newly confirmed INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has pledged to deliver elections so transparent and credible that even losing candidates will willingly congratulate the winners.

Speaking during his Senate screening and confirmation on Thursday, Amupitan said his mission is to rebuild public trust in the electoral process through collaboration with key institutions like the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

“Our goal is to make elections so credible that even the loser will congratulate the winner in good faith, just as both sides accept a fair court judgment,” he told lawmakers.

The Senate unanimously approved his appointment after a three-hour screening session. Senate President Godswill Akpabio charged him to ensure that every vote counts, noting that his confirmation marks a new chapter after Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s 10-year tenure.

Amupitan promised to audit INEC’s Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to correct the glitches that eroded confidence in the 2023 elections. He also vowed to strengthen accountability within the commission through an Ethics and Compliance Committee and a whistleblower policy.

He further said INEC will work with security agencies and invest in technology, including drones, to safeguard election materials and logistics.

“This is a sacred trust,” Amupitan said. “We will make our elections so credible that even those who lose will admit it was fair and just.”

Senate confirms Amupitan as INEC Chairman.

The Senate on Thursday, approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The confirmation of Amupitan followed a screening session by lawmakers in the Senate Chamber during a Committee of the Whole.

Lawmakers asked many questions during the session, which Amupitan responded to.

After the screening exercise, the nominee was permitted to take a bow and exited the Senate chambers with a promise that the decision of the lawmakers would be conveyed to him.

After the exit of the INEC Chairman-designate and entourage, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to restore all floor privileges earlier suspended.

The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader and approved by the lawmakers when it was put to voice vote.

Thereafter Senate President Akpabio approved nomination of Amupitan for appointment as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when it was put to voice vote.

“The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is hereby confirmed,” Akpabio said.

INEC Yet to Show Readiness for Credible Polls — Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Using State Power to Intimidate Opposition


Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns over what he described as the declining independence of Nigeria’s electoral system and the misuse of state power ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, speaking through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, in an interview with Punch Newspaper, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using government institutions, including anti-corruption agencies, to intimidate opposition leaders and force mass defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The Constitution provides for freedom of association. As a democrat, Atiku Abubakar will not dictate to others whom they associate with. But it is clear that the Tinubu-led APC has been using state power to coerce opposition figures,” he said.


According to Atiku, the wave of defections across political parties does not reflect genuine political conviction but rather self-preservation by politicians seeking protection and personal gain.

“All of these defectors do not have the people’s interest at heart. What they are doing is to protect their own interests,” he added.


The former Vice President emphasized that despite the ongoing political realignments, ordinary Nigerians remain the ultimate deciders of the 2027 election outcome.

“It is Nigerians — the long-suffering, impoverished citizens who can hardly feed, educate their children, or access basic healthcare — who will determine the fate of 2027. The battle line has been drawn between the forces of good and evil,” Atiku declared.


He expressed disappointment that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to demonstrate genuine commitment to reforming the electoral process, warning that without concrete improvements, the 2027 elections could mirror past irregularities.

Atiku, however, expressed optimism that the will of the people would prevail over political manipulation and state-backed coercion.

SERAP Asks INEC Chair Nominee Amupitan To Make Prosecuting Electoral Crimes Top Priority

HURIWA questions Tinubu’s motive in appointing Amupitan as INEC chair

Lere Olayinka Slams Critics Over INEC Chairman Mix-Up — Clarifies Confusion Between Prof. Amupitan and Prof. Osipitan

Political aide Lere Olayinka, media adviser to former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has reacted sharply to the ongoing confusion surrounding the identity of the newly appointed INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.

The controversy erupted after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The decision, which was ratified by the National Council of State, sparked widespread debate online after several people mistakenly identified the new INEC boss as Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) — a senior advocate and legal scholar.

Addressing the confusion on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Lere Olayinka criticized those spreading misinformation, accusing them of intellectual laziness and failing to verify facts before commenting.

He wrote:

“People with sawdust-populated brains won’t know the difference between Amupitan and Osipitan. They don’t know that Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) is different from Prof. Joash Amupitan.”


Olayinka’s blunt statement reignited debate on social media, as Nigerians scrambled to distinguish between the two professors. Some users called for transparency from government communication channels to avoid similar identity mix-ups in the future.

Meanwhile, research into Professor Joash Amupitan’s background is ongoing as the public seeks to learn more about the man set to lead Nigeria’s electoral body into its next phase.

Court documents: Amupitan not part of 2023 presidential election dispute.

Contrary to rumour being peddled on social media and sections of the society, court documents have revealed that the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan was never a member of the legal team of President Bola Tinubu at both the presidential election tribunal and the Supreme Court while the dispute over the 2023 presidential election lasted.

A search by The Nation through the lists of counsels’ appearances contained in the certified true copies (CTC) of the three judgments of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPC) and the two final judgments of the Supreme Court in the 2023 presidential election dispute did not reflect Prof Amupitan’s name.

Those peddling the rumour may have been unable to distinguish the name of Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), who appeared with Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) along with others for Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from that of Professor Joash Amupitan.

The PEPC rendered its consolidated judgment on September 6, 2023 on the three petitions that it fully considered.

The three petitions were:
*Petition No: CA/PEPC/03/2023 was filed by Peter Obi and Labour Party (LP), with INEC, Tinubu, Shettima and APC as 1st, 2nd , 3rd & 4th respondents.

*Petition No: CA/PEPC/04/2023 was filed by Allied Peoples Movement (APM), with INEC, APC, Tinubu, Shettima and Kabir Masari listed as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

*Petition No: CA/PEPC/05/2023 was filed by Atiku Abubakar and the PDP, with INEC, Tinubu and the APC listed as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

Wike Boycotts Council Of State Meeting Amid Rift As Tinubu Snubs His Candidate, Appoints Amupitan INEC Chairman

Tinubu Approves 959 National Honours.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the conferment of 959 national honours and endorsed far-reaching reforms to strengthen the funding framework of the Nigeria Police Force.

Understands that the President made the approvals while presiding over marathon meetings of the National Council of State and the Nigeria Police Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents after the sessions, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Emanso Umobong, said Tinubu endorsed the report of the National Honours Award Committee covering 2024 and 2025, alongside special awards already bestowed since January 2025.

“The award of titles of honour and decorations of dignitaries is a yearly event at which the President honours deserving nationals and non-nationals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity,” Umobong said.

She explained that the committee, chaired by Justice Sidi Bage, screened over 5,000 applications before recommending 824 recipients for national honours and 135 special awardees, bringing the total to 959 honourees.

According to Umobong, Tinubu had in the past year honoured individuals and groups such as Bill Gates for contributions to public health, Uncle Sam Pemu for journalism, and the Super Falcons and D’Tigress for sporting excellence.

Others include the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, recognised posthumously for environmental activism, and outgoing INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, celebrated for his decade of service to Nigeria’s democratic process.

She confirmed that the updated list of awardees would soon be published.

Council of State Approves Prof. Amupitan (SAN) as New INEC Chairman.

The National Council of State on Thursday approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Tinubu presented Amupitan’s name to the council during its meeting at the State House, Abuja, following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served from 2015 to October 2025.

In a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Amupitan as an apolitical nominee and the first person from Kogi State in Nigeria’s North-Central region to be nominated for the position.

Council members unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing the nominee as a man of “proven integrity.”

Following the council’s approval, the President will transmit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. A Professor of Law at the University of Jos and an alumnus of the same institution, he specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.

He was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014 and has authored several works on corporate and commercial law.

If confirmed, Amupitan will succeed Yakubu as Nigeria’s chief electoral umpire, overseeing the nation’s electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Court Orders Arrest of Former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu for Contempt.

The Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged contempt of court.

The order was issued just hours after Yakubu vacated office as INEC chairman. It followed a suit filed by the Action Alliance (AA) accusing INEC and Yakubu of failing to comply with an earlier judgment delivered by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi in suit number FHC/OS/CS/194/2024.

The court had previously directed INEC to upload the names of the AA National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, and other members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on its official portal.

Justice Demi-Ajayi also affirmed that the party’s elective convention held on October 7, 2023—which produced Omoaje as chairman—was validly conducted and duly monitored by INEC officials in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

INEC, however, claimed to have complied with the ruling, but the Action Alliance disagreed, noting that Omoaje’s name was still missing from the commission’s website despite the inclusion of other NEC members and state chairmen.

In a fresh order dated October 7, 2025, and signed by court official O.M. Kilani, the court directed the Inspector General of Police to arrest Yakubu and initiate contempt and committal proceedings within seven days. The court also awarded ₦100,000 in costs against the judgment creditors.

Don’t Rush INEC Appointment, Arise News Director Sumner Sambo Warns Presidency



The Director of News at Arise News, Sumner Sambo, has cautioned the Presidency against rushing the appointment of a new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman following the exit of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

Speaking on ‘Prime Time’, a flagship programme on Arise Television, on Tuesday, Sambo advised that the federal government should take time to reflect and implement meaningful institutional reforms before naming Yakubu’s successor.

His comments come just a day after Yakubu officially stepped down and May Agbamuche-Mbu assumed office as the acting INEC chairman.

“The exit of both Mahmood Yakubu and Attahiru Jega as INEC chairmen should serve as a moment of reflection,” Sambo said.
“The presidency should not be in a hurry to appoint a new chairman without ensuring proper institutional reforms are put in place.”


Sambo also dismissed rumors that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed Yakubu to step aside, clarifying that the President lacks the constitutional power to unilaterally remove an INEC chairman.

His remarks have since sparked discussions across political circles, with many agreeing that electoral integrity and institutional independence should remain at the heart of Nigeria’s democratic process.

Tinubu sheds political baggage as embattled minister Nnaji resigns.

President ‘accepted’ resignation, takes immediate effect, says aide
• CISLAC demands independent investigation into corruption claims
• HURIWA warns public trust eroding over alleged silence on misconduct
• Agbamuche-Mbu is INEC’s acting chair as Yakubu gets national honour
• Tinubu to chair FEC meeting after weeks of absence

President Bola Tinubu yesterday accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, drawing a line under a steadily escalating scandal and sparing his administration the weight of mounting political baggage ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, stepped down following allegations of certificate forgery.

The resignation takes effect immediately.

In his resignation letter, he thanked the President for the opportunity to serve and stated that he had been the target of blackmail by his political opponents.

The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed appreciation for Nnaji’s service to the nation and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier visited the main campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in connection with allegations that the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nnaji, had forged his degree certificate.

The Guardian learnt that DSS officials questioned key university personnel, including Vice Chancellor Prof Simon Ortuanya, the Registrar, and officials of the institution’s Examinations and Records Department.

President Tinubu Set To Announce Prof. Joash Amupitan As New INEC Chairman.

There are indications that President Bola Tinubu is set to announce Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to reports, barring any last-minute changes, Prof. Amupitan is expected to replace Prof. Yakubu as the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his 10-year tenure, which spans two terms.

Mahmood was appointed to office by then-President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015 and his tenure is set to expire in November 2025.

According to Sahara Reporters, President Tinubu is set to announce Amupitan as the new INEC Chairman.

Reports have it that the appointment of Amupitan is set to be formalized when President Tinubu hosts the Council of State meeting on Thursday at the State House in Abuja.

Profile of Professor Amupitan
Naija News reports that Amupitan is a legal scholar and administrator with over 34 years of academic and professional experience. A native of Ijumu Local Government Area in Kogi State, he is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and together they are blessed with four children.

Amupitan began his academic journey at the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer. He steadily rose through the academic ranks, becoming a Reader in 2003 and a Professor of Law in 2008.

Over the years, he has held several key administrative positions, including Head of Department of Public Law, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, and a member of the University’s Governing Council.

Dr. Usman Bugaje Calls for End to Presidential Control Over INEC Appointments, Says It Breeds Conflict of Interest



Political activist and civil society leader, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has called for a total overhaul of the process used to appoint the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, arguing that allowing a sitting president to make such appointments creates a serious conflict of interest.

Speaking in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Bugaje described the current arrangement as “unjust and undemocratic,” stressing that it undermines the credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral system.

According to him, it is unreasonable for any president who is also a political candidate or key stakeholder in an election to handpick the person responsible for conducting that same election.

“Why should the president, who is a party with vested interest in the election, be the one to appoint the INEC chairman? This is a clear conflict of interest,” Bugaje questioned.


He warned that unless this issue is addressed, Nigeria’s elections will continue to suffer from legitimacy and trust deficits.

Bugaje further recalled that the Uwais Electoral Reform Committee had previously recommended a better model, suggesting that INEC appointments be handled by a broad-based, independent body representing all arms of government and sections of society — not the presidency.

He lamented that the recommendation was never implemented due to resistance from political elites who wished to maintain influence over electoral outcomes.

Bugaje emphasized that freeing INEC from political interference is essential to restoring public confidence in the nation’s democracy.

“We need to strengthen INEC by ensuring its leadership is not chosen by any sitting president who has a stake in the election. Only then can we achieve truly credible polls,” he stated.

Tinubu Honours Former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu with National Award After Resignation


Following the resignation of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred upon him one of Nigeria’s highest national honours — the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

The announcement was made via a statement shared on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, through his official X (Twitter) handle.

According to Onanuga, the award recognizes Yakubu’s “dedicated service to the nation” during his ten-year tenure as head of the electoral commission.

“In recognition of Yakubu’s dedicated service to the nation, President Tinubu has bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON),” the statement read.


Yakubu’s resignation marks the end of a decade-long era in which he oversaw multiple general elections, including the landmark 2023 polls.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed that May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner at INEC, assume leadership in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

The news of Yakubu’s national honour quickly went viral, sparking a wave of diverse reactions from Nigerians on social media. While some praised the recognition as a reward for years of service, others questioned the timing and motives behind the gesture.

Many online commentators took to X (formerly Twitter) to express contrasting opinions — some lauding Yakubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system, while others criticized his tenure as controversial and politically divisive.

Despite the mixed reactions, the development marks another notable chapter in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, highlighting the interplay of leadership, legacy, and public perception in national governance.

May Agbamuche Takes Over as Acting INEC Chairman from Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu

Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially handed over leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to May Agbamuche, who will serve as Acting National Chairman.

Agbamuche, the longest-serving National Commissioner in the commission, assumes the role following the completion of Yakubu’s two-term, ten-year tenure.

The handover took place on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

In his address, Professor Yakubu urged commissioners and directors to extend their full cooperation to Agbamuche as she leads the commission pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to nominate Yakubu’s successor in the coming days, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

New acting INEC chair takes over.

A National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission, May Agbamuche-Mbu, will take over as the Acting Chairman of the Commission.

This followed the formal handover of duties by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on a terminal leave.

The announcement was made on Tuesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.