News

CSOs Demand Transparent Senate Screening Of INEC Chair Nominee Amupitan

Published

2 months ago

October 11, 2025

Admin

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working on democracy and elections in Nigeria and across Africa have called on the Nigerian Senate to ensure a transparent and credible screening process for the newly appointed chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan.

The CSOs made the call in a joint statement on Friday.

The organisations that endorsed the statement are Yiaga Africa, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), International Press Center (IPC), The Kukah Centre, Centre for Media and Society, TAF Africa, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and YERP Naija Campaign.

They urged the Senate to televise the screening and allow public participation through memoranda and petitions.

“We call on the Senate to ensure that its confirmation hearings are transparent, televised, and inclusive of citizen and civil society input through memoranda, petitions, and participation in the confirmation hearings,” they said.

The CSOs also advised lawmakers to conduct a thorough examination of the nominee’s competence, integrity, and vision for electoral reform.

“The Senate should undertake a rigorous examination of his competence, public records, vision for electoral reform, INEC’s institutional strengthening, as well as his capacity to resist political interference and uphold electoral integrity.

“The Senate should also interrogate the nominee’s plans to address systemic challenges, including voter registration, result transmission, and enforcement of INEC’s regulations and guidelines.”

President Bola Tinubu had on Thursday appointed Mr Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and professor of law at the University of Jos, as INEC Chair following ratification by the National Council of State.

His appointment is, however, subject to Senate confirmation as required by Section 154 of the Constitution.

Mr Amupitan, who specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law, was conferred with the rank of SAN in September 2014.

He succeeds Mahmood Yakubu, also a professor, who served as INEC Chairperson from 2015 to October 2025. Mr Yakubu handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, on Tuesday.

If confirmed, Mr Amupitan will become the 13th substantive INEC Chair since Nigeria’s independence in 1960. His predecessors include Eyo Esua (1964–1966), Michael Ani (1976–1979), Victor Ovie-Whiskey (1980–1983), Eme Awa (1987–1989), Humphrey Nwosu (1989–1993), Okon Uya (1993), Sumner Dagogo-Jack (1994–1998), Ephraim Akpata (1998–2000), Abel Guobadia (2000–2005), Maurice Iwu (2005–2010), Attahiru Jega (2010–2015), and Mahmood Yakubu (2015–2025).

While expressing no objection to the nominee’s credentials, the CSOs emphasised the need for independence and moral courage in leading the electoral body.

“We acknowledge Professor Amupitan’s academic and professional accomplishments; therefore, we have no objection in principle to his nomination. However, the current state of Nigeria’s electoral process requires a fiercely independent INEC, immune to political manipulation, and unwavering in its commitment to credible elections. Consequently, as the next INEC Chairman, if confirmed by the Senate, he must demonstrate moral courage and resistance to political interference. INEC works better when it is insulated from political interference.”

Read the full statement by the CSOs

Civil Society Statement on the Nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as INEC Chairman

Abuja, October 10, 2025

We, the undersigned civil society organizations working on democracy and elections in Nigeria and across Africa, acknowledge the announcement by the Presidency on the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the conclusion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure. This comes after consultation with the Council of State, which reportedly granted unanimous approval to his nomination. We must, however, note that the Council of State approval does not replace the duty of the Nigerian Senate to conduct due diligence through rigorous and transparent screening process that inspires public trust. We reiterate our longstanding call for a transparent, inclusive and citizens-centered appointment process that is consistent with the recommendations of key electoral reform interventions like the Justice Uwais Report, Ken Nnamani committee report, and the Citizens Memorandum on Electoral Reforms.

Our Position

We acknowledge Professor Amupitan’s academic and professional accomplishments; therefore, we have no objection in principle to his nomination. However, the current state of Nigeria’s electoral process requires a fiercely independent INEC, immune to political manipulation, and unwavering in its commitment to credible elections. Consequently, as the next INEC Chairman, if confirmed by the Senate, he must demonstrate moral courage, and resistance to political interference. INEC works better when it is insulated from political interference.

Our Call to Action

We call on the Senate to ensure that its confirmation hearings are transparent, televised, and inclusive of citizen and civil society input through memoranda, petitions and participation in the confirmation hearings.

The Senate should undertake a rigorous examination of his competence, public records, vision for electoral reform, INEC’s institutional strengthening, as well as his capacity to resist political interference and uphold electoral integrity.

The Senate should also interrogate the nominee’s plans to address systemic challenges, including voter registration, result transmission, and enforcement of INEC’s regulations and guidelines.

Nigerians expect the Senate confirmation process to be open to citizens’ participation in line with the Framework for Citizens Engagement in the INEC Appointment Process previously submitted to the Senate by the undersigned civil society organizations.

This includes full disclosure of the nominee’s credentials, public service history, and capacity to manage elections without political interference.

Signed.

Yiaga Africa

Women Rights Advancement Protection Alternative (WRAPA)

International Press Center

The Kukah Centre

Center for Media and Society

TAF Africa

African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)

Nigeria Women Trust Fund

Accountability Lab, Nigeria

YERP Naija Campaign

News

Seven Suspected Bandits Nabbed Along Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State

Published

23 minutes ago

December 4, 2025

ADMIN

Seven suspected bandits were nabbed along the Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State during stop-and-search operations, security sources have confirmed.

According to sources, the suspects, all identified as Fulani youths, were intercepted after being offloaded from a truck at around 6:00 p.m. on 2 December 2025. A search of their mobile phones reportedly revealed pictures of assault rifles, including AK-47s.

During interrogation, the suspects claimed they had traveled from Adamawa State. Investigations are ongoing to recover any actual firearms and to determine their possible involvement in criminal activities.

Security agencies have urged members of the public to report any suspicious movements to help prevent criminal acts in the area.

News

Finally , Appeal Court bars VIO from stopping, impounding cars

Published

32 minutes ago

December 4, 2025

ADMIN

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a Federal High Court ruling from October 4, 2024, that prohibits the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or seizing vehicles, as well as imposing fines on motorists.

The appellate court’s decision affirmed the lower court’s ruling, dealing a significant blow to the agency’s enforcement powers.

A three-member panel of the appellate court delivered a judgment on Thursday, resolving the three issues identified for determination against the appellant, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, thereby upholding the lower court’s decision.

Justice Oyejoju Oyebiola Oyewumi, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the appeal was without merit. She awarded a cost of N1million against the appellant and in favour of the respondent, a rights activist and public interest attorney, Abubakar Marshal.

Previously, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had ruled that the Directorate of Road Services (widely known as VIO) should cease confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on Nigerians over road traffic violations.

Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha said while delivering judgment in FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 on October 2, 2024, that the notorious road traffic inspectorate was not legally equipped to seize vehicles or impose severe sanctions on motorists.

The judgment, which followed a lawsuit by rights attorney Mr Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers, significantly pruned the powers of one of the country’s most dreaded road traffic enforcers and brought respite to millions of motorists across the country.

The order did not apply to the Federal Road Safety Corps, which has operated for decades as the largest body of road traffic marshals in Nigeria.

In her judgment, Ms Maha said VIO officers “are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fine on motorists.”

Subsequently, the judge entered an order of perpetual injunction restraining the VIO and its agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on its behalf from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification.

News

PDP constitutes Caretaker Committees for Ekiti, Lagos States(See full list)

Published

4 hours ago

December 4, 2025

ADMIN

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP has constituted caretaker committees for Lagos and Ekiti states.

This was contained in a release signed by the party’s Organising Secretary, Hon Umar Bature.

The party stated that: Accordingly, your Committee is charged with the responsibility of running the
affairs of the Party in Ekiti State, as stipulated in section 21(2) (a-b) of our Party’s Constitution, for a period of one months (30 days) or until a new Executive is elected.
In carrying out this assignment you are guided strictly by the PDP Constitution (2017, as amended), The Electoral Act as amended 2010 and the Constitution
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

“It is expected that your exemplary conduct and strict adherence to rules and
regulations during your assignment will justify the confidence reposed in you by the leadership of the party.

See list below:

Elder Kayode Ogunbiyi
Chairman
Lagos State Caretaker Committee
Peoples Democratic Party
Lagos State
APPOINTMENT OF LAGOS STATE CARETAKER COMMITTEE
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party (PDP) has on behalf of the
National Executive Committee (NEC) Pursuant to Section 29 (2) (b) of our Constitution
(2017 as amended), approved your appointment as Chairman of Lagos State
CARETAKER COMMITTEE which is composed as follows:
(1) Elder Kayode Ogunbiyi
(2) Chief Adele Bankole
(3) Mrs. Akinro Bolaji Rosaline
(4) Mrs. Adebimpe Maria
(5) Mrs. Ege Allen
(6) Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke
-Chairman
-Vice Chairman
-Member
-Member
-Member
-Member
(7) Chief Adio Salami
-Member
(8) Alh. Abiola Tella
-Member
(9) Prince Gani Ogungbayi
-Member
(10) Mr. Odum Kalu
-Member
(11) Mr. Ola Odunfa
-Member
(12) Mrs. Iberu Taiwo
-Member
(13) Mr. Solomon Yusoof
-Member
(14) Mr. Olusanya Abayomi
-Member
(15) Mr. Samson Hundeyin
-Member
(16) Mr. Oriyomi Oluwafemi
-Member
(17) Mrs. Ijeoma Eze
-Member
(18) Mr. Olayinka Samuel
-Member
(19) Mr. Jamiu Awofala
-Secretary
Website: www.peoplesdemocraticparty.com.ng t: @OfficialsPDPNig | F: @Officialpdpnig 15:55
Accordingly, your Committee is charged with the responsibility of running the affairs
of the Party in Lagos State, as stipulated in section 21(2) (a-b) of our Party’s
Constitution, for a period of one months (30 days) or until a new Executive is elected.
In carrying out this assignment you are guided strictly by the PDP Constitution (2017,
as amended), The Electoral Act as amended 2010 and the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
It is expected that your exemplary conduct and strict adherence to rules and
regulations during your assignment will justify the confidence reposed in you by the
leadership of the party.
Congratulations
Hon. Umar M. Bature
National Organizing Secretary
[12/4, 4:06 PM] George: PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
Motto: Justice, Unity and Progress
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
National secretariate: Wadata Plaza, Plot 1970, Micheal Okpara Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
Monday, December 01, 2025
Omolashe Lanre
Chairman,
Ekiti State Caretaker Committee,
Peoples Democratic Party,
Ekiti State.
APPOINTMENT OF EKITI STATE PDP CARETAKER COMMITTEE
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party (PDP) has on behalf
of the National Executive Committee (NEC) Pursuant to Section 29 (2) (b) of
our Constitution (2017 as amended), approved your appointment as Chairman
of Ekiti State CARETAKER COMMITTEE which is composed as follows:
1) OMOLASHE LANRE
Chairman
2) FEMI PHILLIPS
Member
3) HON.GANI BAKARE
Member
4) HON AKANDE BABATUNDE
Member
5) TOSIN JOEL
Member
6) AYILARAN MODUPE
Member
7) PELEMON DARE
Member
8) CHIEF AROGBODO AYODELE
Member
9) SEGUN OLATUNJI
Member
10) BAR GBENGA AGBEDE
Member
11) SESAN OWOEYE
Member
12) GBENGA OJUAWO
13) ARINDE JIMOH
Member
Membet
14) ADARA ROTIMI
Member
15) BANJI ADELEKE
Member
16) CHIEF TUNDE OGUNLEYE
Member/Secretary.