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.”

UK Tightens Immigration Rules, Cuts Post-Study Visa to 18 Months.

The British government has unveiled sweeping immigration reforms that include stricter English language requirements and a reduction of the post-study visa period for international graduates from two years to 18 months.

Announced on Tuesday by the Home Office as part of its new immigration white paper and Plan for Change, the measures aim to create what the government calls a “controlled, selective and fair” system.

Under the revised policy, migrants applying through designated legal routes must now pass a Secure English Language Test equivalent to A-level proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The test, to be conducted by approved providers, will be verified during visa processing.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the reforms reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring migrants integrate and contribute meaningfully to British society.
“This country welcomes those who come here to contribute,” she said. “But it’s unacceptable for anyone to arrive without learning our language or taking part in our national life.”

Effective January 1, 2027, international graduates will only be allowed to remain in the UK for 18 months after completing their studies, a move the government says is based on data showing that many were not moving into graduate-level employment as intended.

The reforms also include a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) for employers sponsoring foreign workers — the first adjustment since 2017. The additional revenue will fund training for British workers and help reduce dependence on overseas recruitment.

From the 2025–2026 academic year, international students will face higher financial proof requirements to ensure they can support themselves while studying in the UK.

Other key updates include an expansion of the High Potential Individual (HPI) route now open to graduates from the world’s top 100 universities, with an annual cap of 8,000 applicants and enhancements to the Global Talent route to attract top researchers and creative professionals.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tinubu Accepts INEC Chairman’s Departure, Gives Him National Honour.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s departure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the expiration of his second term in office.

Yakubu was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission for an initial term of five years. The appointment, which was renewed in 2020, has now expired due to the passage of time.

In a statement on Tuesday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu thanked Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.

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

He also directed that Professor Yakubu should hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will direct the affairs of the commission until the completion of the process to appoint a successor.

In the letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the nation as chairman of the commission since 2015.

INEC Chairman Escapes Police Arrest After Partial Compliance with Court Order.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has avoided arrest by the Nigerian Police Force after partially complying with a Federal High Court judgment in Osogbo.

The court, presided over by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, had ordered Yakubu to restore the name of the Action Alliance (AA) National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, along with the names of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), to INEC’s official portal.

The court further directed that the names of all state chairmen elected under Omoaje’s leadership be posted online.

While INEC fully complied with the order to restore the state chairmen’s names, it only partially implemented the judgment regarding the NEC. The portal now includes the NEC members’ names but omits Omoaje’s name and the address of the party’s national secretariat. Additionally, the name of Kenneth Udeze, who had been suspended and expelled from the party, still appears on the portal.

The AA had elected its NEC at the party’s national convention held on October 7, 2023, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Following INEC’s partial compliance, the court had instructed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest Yakubu if he failed to fully implement the ruling within seven days. Yakubu, however, was not arrested.

In response, the Action Alliance, through its Osun State Chairman, Araoye Oyewole, filed a counter-affidavit before the Federal High Court on October 2, 2025. The affidavit argues that INEC and its chairman have not fully complied with the court’s directives, urging the court to give complete adherence to its judgment.

Oyewole stated, “While the names of all state chairmen have been restored to the INEC portal, the judgment specifically mandating recognition of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as National Chairman has not been followed. The judgment debtors have only partially complied with the court’s orders in suit number FHC/OS/CS/194/2024.”

The case is ongoing, with the party seeking full enforcement of the court’s ruling.

Court Orders IGP to Arrest INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu.

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged contempt of court.

The order came after INEC allegedly failed to comply with a ruling in favour of the Action Alliance (AA).
The party had gone to court demanding that the commission recognise all state chairmen elected under the leadership of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.

Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, who presided over the case, criticised the electoral body for disobeying a valid judgment. She ordered Prof. Yakubu to restore the names of the affected chairmen on the INEC portal within seven days.

The court further imposed a fine of N100,000 against the INEC Chairman. It warned that failure to comply within the set period would trigger his immediate arrest by the police.

However, the court had earlier ruled that the convention that produced Omoaje as National Chairman of the party was valid.
According to the judge, the convention was monitored by INEC and held in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

Court orders IGP to arrest INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.


A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged contempt of court.

The order came after INEC allegedly failed to comply with a ruling in favour of the Action Alliance (AA).
The party had gone to court demanding that the commission recognise all state chairmen elected under the leadership of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.

Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, who presided over the case, criticised the electoral body for disobeying a valid judgment. She ordered Prof. Yakubu to restore the names of the affected chairmen on the INEC portal within seven days.

The court further imposed a fine of N100,000 against the INEC Chairman. It warned that failure to comply within the set period would trigger his immediate arrest by the police.

However, the court had earlier ruled that the convention that produced Omoaje as National Chairman of the party was valid.
According to the judge, the convention was monitored by INEC and held in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

EXCLUSIVE: Prof. Joash Amupitan Emerges As Likely Successor To INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu

Wike’s Aide Refutes Sowore’s Claims on INEC Chairman Yakubu

Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations made by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, regarding the status of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

In a statement shared on his X handle, Olayinka faulted Sahara Reporters for publishing what he described as false and sensational claims suggesting that President Bola Tinubu had forcefully removed Yakubu from office.

He clarified that the INEC Chairman was only directed to proceed on terminal leave, a routine administrative procedure that comes shortly before the end of his tenure, which is set to expire on October 21, 2025.

The controversy arose after Sahara Reporters alleged that Yakubu’s exit was politically motivated, linking it to claims of disloyalty during his time in office. The report quickly gained traction online, sparking heated debate and mixed reactions among Nigerians.

While some social media users accepted the narrative, others condemned it as misleading. Responding firmly, Olayinka stressed that Yakubu’s leave was procedural and not punitive. He accused Sahara Reporters of attempting to stir unnecessary controversy with politically sensitive misinformation.

“Spreading falsehood on such critical national matters only serves to mislead the public and fuel needless tension,” Olayinka warned.

Okoi Obono-Obla Denies Reports of Tinubu Sacking INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu

Former Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu has removed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, from office.

In a statement released to THE WHISTLER on Thursday, Obono-Obla described reports circulating on some online platforms (not including THE WHISTLER) as false, misleading, and legally baseless.

“It is both infantile and puerile to witness blazing headlines claiming that the President has ‘sacked’ Professor Yakubu by directing him to proceed on terminal leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure on 18 October 2025. Today is 25 September 2025—barely three weeks to the constitutionally mandated end of his second term,” he said.


Obono-Obla questioned the logic of interpreting a directive to take leave as a dismissal, emphasizing that Yakubu’s tenure was already set to conclude by law.

“How does asking someone whose tenure is set to lapse by law in three weeks to proceed on leave amount to a sack? It beggars belief that media outlets would feast on such patently false narratives,” he added.


The former Special Assistant to the President (Prosecution) also clarified that the President cannot unilaterally remove the INEC Chairman. He explained the constitutional procedure for removal, which requires the President to present an address to the Senate outlining any allegations of misconduct or inability to perform the duties of office.

“For the removal to be effected, the address must be supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate—that is, at least 73 out of 109 senators,” Obono-Obla said, citing Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).


The section provides that removal can occur only for misconduct or inability to discharge official duties, ensuring that constitutional safeguards are followed.

Obono-Obla concluded that any media suggestion that President Tinubu had “sacked” Professor Yakubu ignores these safeguards and misleads the public about the law.

“Any suggestion that the President has ‘sacked’ the INEC Chairman without following this constitutional procedure is not only misleading but legally untenable,” he affirmed.

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