President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 9, 2025, presided over a high-profile meeting of the National Council of State held at the State House in Abuja. The key agenda for the gathering was the presentation of nominees for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a critical role in overseeing Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Council of State meeting saw the attendance of various dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, most of the 36 state governors, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and several former Chief Justices of Nigeria. Former Heads of State Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar also participated virtually.
The meeting took place amid ongoing national security challenges, particularly focusing on the surge in banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence in parts of northern and central Nigeria. The Council deliberated on strategic reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s policing architecture and security framework.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of the INEC leadership in ensuring credible and transparent elections, which are vital for Nigeria’s democracy. The nominees presented for the INEC Chairmanship were welcomed favorably, with consensus building expected before their formal submission to the Senate for confirmation.