Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Swears In Speaker Obasa’s Son As Agege Chairman, Warns Against Division And Urges Inclusive Governance

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sworn in Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, as the substantive Chairman of Agege Local Government. During the ceremony at Lagos House, Ikeja, the governor cautioned the new chairman against divisive leadership, urging him to embrace inclusive governance and focus on grassroots development that delivers tangible benefits to residents. Sanwo-Olu emphasised discipline, performance, visibility, and compassion as core leadership values, amid opposition claims that the succession was a carefully orchestrated political arrangement following the resignation of former chairman Tunde Azeez on health grounds.

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Swears In Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s Son As Agege Chairman, Warns Against Divisive Leadership And Urges Inclusive Grassroots Governance

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially sworn in Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, as Chairman of Agege Local Government. During the ceremony held at Lagos House, Ikeja, the governor cautioned the new chairman against divisive tendencies and stressed the importance of inclusive, people-centred governance at the grassroots. Sanwo-Olu emphasised discipline, accountability, and performance as core leadership values, while acknowledging concerns raised by opposition parties over the circumstances surrounding Obasa’s emergence following the resignation of former chairman Tunde Azeez due to health reasons.

We Are Keeping Our Eyes on INEC’ — Kwankwaso Warns as NNPP Holds National Convention, Prepares for 2027 Elections in Abuja

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that his party will closely monitor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the NNPP national convention in Abuja shortly after newly re-elected party executives were sworn in, Kwankwaso stressed that INEC’s role is critical to the survival of democracy in Nigeria. He congratulated the commission on the appointment of its new chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, noting that public confidence in the electoral process depends largely on the conduct of the electoral umpire. Kwankwaso assured party members that NNPP leadership would continue strengthening the party nationwide, as the convention ratified key NEC decisions and elected members of the National Working Committee, signalling the party’s determination to build on its breakout performance in the 2023 elections ahead of 2027.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), to prioritise restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process by ensuring transparency, integrity, and fairness in elections. In a statement issued on Sunday by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil…
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New INEC Chairman Begins Official Duty, Tasks Staff to Break Down Silos During Handover in Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that its new Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has officially assumed duty with a strong call for unity and collaboration within the Commission.

In a statement shared on INEC’s official Instagram page on Thursday, 22nd October 2025, the Commission revealed that Professor Amupitan made the remarks during his inaugural address at the handover ceremony held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

The new Chairman urged staff to “break down silos” and foster teamwork across all departments, emphasizing that effective collaboration is essential to achieving the Commission’s mandate. He also issued a dual charge strengthening internal unity and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly ahead of the upcoming Anambra State governorship election.

Professor Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing staff welfare, describing it as fundamental to achieving credible and transparent elections.

According to INEC, the ceremony was attended by the Commission’s directors and a delegation from the University of Jos. The new Chairman described his assumption of office as “the beginning of a crucial chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey” where unity, integrity, and teamwork will serve as the foundation for credible electoral processes.

President Tinubu Swears In New INEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The brief ceremony took place at 1:50 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. During the event, President Tinubu urged Amupitan to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC, and ensure transparency in the electoral process.

Amupitan’s inauguration follows his confirmation by the Senate on October 16, after undergoing a rigorous screening session.

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.

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.

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.

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.

JUST IN: Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated the new Chairman of Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Sa’idu Yahya, with a charge to him to firmly steer the affairs of the agency

—Source: Nigeria stories

Aliko Dangote retires from Dangote Cement Plc.

Foremost entrepreneur and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote has announced his retirement as a Director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective July 25, 2025. He is relinquishing his position as chairman and retiring from the board so as to focus more attention on the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser and Government Relations, in order to drive the company’s five-year businesstrajectory to a superlative height.

The board of Dangote Cement Plc has therefore announced the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman, Board of Directors. In the same vein, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote was also appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company while Prof. Dorothy Ufot retired from the Board.

Reputed as Africa’s leading investor, Aliko Dangote leaves giant footprints as he retires from the board. His vision and tenacity redefined not just a company, but the entire cement industry landscape by becoming Africa’s largest cement producer and largest exporter of cement and clinker in Sub Saharan Africa.

Aliko Dangote’s journey with cement began with a bold dream: to make Nigeria and Africa self-sufficient in cement production. Through strategic investments in state-of-the-art plants, and a commitment to local content, he not only met that goal but exceeded it.

Dangote Cement Plc has 52.0Mta capacity across African continent with Nigeria accounting for 35.25Mta. Currently, additional greenfield plants are coming up in Cote Ivoire (3.0Mta) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0 Mta) and on completion this year will push total capacity to 61.0Mta.

Under his visionary leadership, Dangote Cement Plc recorded the highest revenue and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) in the history of the company. According to the unaudited results for the six months ending 30th June 2025, the group revenue went up by 17.7 percent, from N1,760 billion at the same period in 2024 to N2,071.6 billion, representing the highest revenue in the history of the company.

Group Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) grew by 41.8 percent to N944.900 billion from N666.22 billion. EBITDA (Nigeria Operations) grew by 82.4 percent to N845.4 billion. Profit before tax went up from N292.96 billion to N730 billion indicating 149 percent increase while profit after tax surged by 174.1 percent to ₦520.5 billion, in contrast to N189.90 billion in the same period at the preceding period. In the six months, export volumes from Nigeria increased by 18.2 percent, with 18 successful clinker shipments made to Ghana and Cameroon.

Aliko Dangote’s legacy will be counted in the millions of jobs created, the infrastructure built, and the confidence restored in African industrial potential. He has proven that Africa can produce, compete, and lead on the global stage. It is on record that subsidiaries under Dangote Group paid over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.

BREAKING: APC Names Nentawe Yilwatda as New National Chairman.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed the appointment of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, as the new National Chairman of the party.

The announcement was made during the NEC meeting ongoing at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

Yilwatda sworn in as APC Chairman
The chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, nominated him for the position. House of Representatives speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, seconded the motion.

Yilwatda’s emergence as the new National Chairman of the APC marks a deliberate return of the position to the North Central region, aligning with the party’s original zoning arrangement. Yilwatda hails from Plateau State and replaces Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former Kano State governor, who recently resigned.

It is understood that the decision to appoint Yilwatda, a Christian from the North Central zone, is a strategy to address internal grievances, particularly over the continued dominance of a Muslim-Muslim leadership structure at the federal level, led by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong, congratulates the new Chairman
Yilwatda is an loyalist of former Plateau State Governor and current Senator, Simon Lalong. He assumed the role of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs following Lalong’s resignation from the cabinet to return to the Senate. It can be recalled that the Court of Appeal overturned the earlier declared winner in the Plateau South Senatorial race.

Before his ministerial appointment, Yilwatda was the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections but was defeated by the PDP’s Caleb Mutfwang. He also played a key role in the presidential campaign as the state coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation.

Hon. Seyi Jakande has been declared the new Chairman of the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, LCDA, in the Lagos State Local Government elections held on Saturday, July 12.


Contesting under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, declared that Jakande polled an impressive 58,446 votes, securing a strong mandate from the community.

The election results show a significant margin, with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, coming in a distant second, polling just 1, 743 votes. The Labour Party, LP, trailed closely behind, polling 1,464 votes.

The election was held across the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs in the state.

BREAKING: Senate Replaces Natasha, Names New Chairman Committee on Diaspora & NGOs.

The Senate has removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non‑Governmental Organisations, appointing Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North‑East, APC) as her successor.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the development at Thursday’s plenary session.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for six months in March for disorderly conduct during Senate proceedings, had already seen two committee reassignments earlier this year. Initially removed from the powerful Local Content Committee in February, she was reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs committee shortly afterwards.

Although a Federal High Court later deemed the six-month suspension excessive and ordered her reinstatement, the certified copy of the court judgment has yet to be released, resulting in the continued uncertainty surrounding her supposed resumption.

New ICAN Lekki District chairman targets growth.


Patrick Akamiokho, the new chairman of Lekki and District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, is targeting numerical growth for his leadership year.

Akamiokho made this clear on Saturday in his acceptance speech at the investiture ceremony.

He noted that his slogan for his year at the helm of affairs in the district is ‘LEDS: Growing bigger and stronger.
He said, “We are going to grow bigger and stronger. We are just slightly above 400, and our thinking is that given all the programmes we have in place, at the end of this chairmanship year our numbers would have been doubled, which will move us from category C district to category B district.”

He added that his tenure would focus on equipping the newly acquired office for more efficient service delivery for members and the immediate community, introducing a quarterly journal in September 2025 by converting the monthly paper presentation into a booklet for the library and intensifying the catch-them-young programme by going to schools and other public places.

The immediate past chairman of the district, Olufunmilayo Olaniyi, urged her successor not to relent in making a positive impact within the Lekki axis and also carry along his exco in every decision, noting that it was critical to success.