President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, to prioritise transparency and non-violence as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, saying credible polls remained the foundation of public trust and democratic stability.

Speaking at the State House in Abuja shortly after administering the oath of office on the new INEC boss, Tinubu said Amupitan’s appointment, confirmed by the Senate a week ago, was a mark of confidence in his competence and character by both the executive and legislative arms of government.

“I, therefore, urge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this assignment, to protect the integrity of our elections and the electoral process and the institutional capacity of INEC, and I wish you success on your first assignment in November 2025, which is the governorship election of Anambra state,” Tinubu said.

“As the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, your nomination and confirmation are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you,” Tinubu said, adding, “This marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.”

The President emphasised that Nigeria’s democracy, which has lasted since 1999, had evolved through reforms, innovation, and lessons learned from past challenges.

“Our democracy has come a long way. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our electoral system. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach,” Tinubu noted.

President Tinubu added that while no electoral system was flawless, credibility and transparency at every stage, be it registration, campaigning, voting, and results collation, remained critical to sustaining public trust.

Advertisement

He said, “To maintain public trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected, all aspects of the process from registration to campaigning, the media access, voting and counting should be transparent, non-violent and credible.

“Elections safeguard the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future.

“We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.”

Tinubu urged Amupitan to prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and non-violence in future polls.

Shortly after the ceremony, Amupitan told State House correspondents that he would uphold the Constitution and engage all stakeholders in the pursuit of credible elections.

“I’ve just taken the oath of allegiance and the oath as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they relate to the electoral system. Like the President said, I have been given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections, and that I will ensure,” he said.

The new INEC boss said his leadership would prioritise collaboration with political parties, civil society organisations, and security agencies.

Advertisement

“No matter how well you design the system, success requires the cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said.

Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who is the longest-serving INEC chairman yet, having overseen the commission since 2015.

He took the oath of office at 1:50 pm at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, was confirmed by the Senate on October 16, 2025, following his endorsement by the National Council of State.

The National Council of State had approved his nomination on October 9, two days after Yakubu’s exit.

Since the 1993 cycle, Nigeria’s election umpires have come from a handful of zones. The South-East produced Prof. Humphrey Nwosu from Anambra, who supervised the famed June 12, 1993 polls, and later Prof. Maurice Iwu (Imo), who oversaw the 2007 polls.

The South-South produced multiple chairpersons during the transition years. These include Okon Uya from Cross River, who served briefly after June 12, Sumner Dagogo-Jack from Rivers, who served as NECON chairman under Abacha, Justice Ephraim Akpata from Edo State, who oversaw the 1999 transition and Dr. Abel Guobadia (Edo) in 2003.

Advertisement

From 2010, the tide tilted to the North with the appointment of Prof. Attahiru Jega from Kano State (North-West), who oversaw the 2011 and 2015 elections and is widely credited with restoring confidence after the 2007 cycle.

He was succeeded by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu from Bauchi (North-East), who conducted the 2019 and 2023 polls, and expanded the use of biometrics and other forms of tech.

Amupitan is the first INEC chief from Kogi, North-Central.

Upon assuming duties at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Amupitan vowed to restore credibility and public confidence in the country’s electoral system, declaring his appointment as a “divine” call to serve the nation.

Speaking during his first official meeting with the commission’s directors, he stressed that fulfilling the commission’s mandate would depend on teamwork, discipline, and integrity within the organisation.

The INEC chairman stated that his mission was to conduct free, fair, and credible elections while strengthening democratic values across the country.

“Our mandate is clear, and what is it? To deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. To achieve this, we must work together as a team,” he stated.

Advertisement

Addressing INEC staff and directors, the university don pledged to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

“As we mark the beginning of the new chapter, I want to assure you of my commitment to upholding the highest standard of integrity, transparency, and discipline in all our operations,” he said.

The INEC chairman described the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election as a defining moment for the commission.

“The upcoming Anambra state governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivot opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections,” he declared.

“The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion.

“Credibility in our election is paramount, and we must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote will count. Because that is a constitutional task, and let’s restore back the confidence of every voter that whenever there is an election, their vote will count,” Amupitan added.

While promising to make staff welfare a central part of his agenda, he acknowledged that the commission’s workforce played a vital role in ensuring credible elections.

Advertisement

“For me, staff welfare is going to be my priority. We are going to be expecting so much from you, so your welfare is going to be a priority.

“We’ll work assiduously and tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with the necessary resources to excel,” the new INEC chairman assured staff members.

Amupitan, accompanied by his wife, children, and senior officials from the University of Jos, expressed gratitude to his academic colleagues, who celebrated his appointment.

“I was told that the whole university got shut down out of excitement. One of theirs is now given this very herculean and important responsibility of heading this commission at this time,” he said.

Despite the weight of his new responsibilities, he said he was ready for the challenge.

“The places I’ve gone to, including some national commissioners, they were saying, ‘I don’t envy you.’ But let me say that I am excited about the journey ahead.

“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of our elections,” he said.

Advertisement

He described his appointment as part of a divine plan.

“Maybe if I had a choice, I would say I would not come here. But from all the indications, I could see that God is moving in this country, and my coming is divine.

“If God says go, who are you to say ‘I’m not going?’ I’m here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is birthed. And of course, you know, INEC has a very, very important role to play in this quest.

“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.

Earlier, the Acting Chairman of INEC, May Agbamuche-Mbu, formally transferred the reins to Amupitan.

Congratulating Amupitan on his appointment and swearing-in, she noted that his emergence was “a recognition of your distinguished record as a legal scholar, administrator, and patriot, but also a call to national service of the highest order.”

She reminded him that he was assuming office at a “most crucial time” as the commission prepared for the Anambra governorship election, adding that four National Commissioners were already in the state on a readiness assessment visit.

Advertisement

Acknowledging the enormity of the task ahead, she said, “Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher.

“However, you are not walking into an empty field. You are stepping onto the firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.”

Agbamuche-Mbu praised Yakubu’s leadership for introducing “landmark innovations, from the BVAS and IReV to the strengthening of institutional transparency and voter confidence.”

Describing the assignment before Amupitan as “a herculean national service,” she expressed confidence in his capacity to lead.

“(It’s) one that demands sacrifice, patience, and unflinching dedication, but I have no doubt that you are equal to the task,” the national commissioner noted.

She presented the handover notes to Amupitan, saying, “May your tenure be marked by wisdom, integrity, innovation, and enduring impact.”

Advertisement

Recent developments have heightened unease in two Northern States following alarming claims of a potential coup plot.

Authorities are scrambling to investigate these serious allegations as fresh details surface, revealing a web of uncertainty and anxiety among residents.

Sources who spoke to Daily Trust hinted that there was suspicion that the former governor had financed the alleged plot, which was reportedly scheduled for October 25.

At least two online news platforms, Sahara Reporters and Premium Times, had reported last weekend that the 16 officers, whom the Defence Headquarters claimed were arrested for certain unprofessional conduct, were being investigated over an alleged plan to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Some of the detainees, including a Brigadier-General, a Colonel and others below that rank were reported to be officers attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

One of our sources disclosed that the report of the planned coup attempt was true.

“Yes, that is true. There are civilian accomplices, including a former governor, but the extent of their involvement is being investigated. For now, there are 16 officers involved and in custody,” he stated.

Advertisement

The source added that the “former civilian governor being investigated over the matter is also a former operative in the oil and gas sector, but his involvement has not been confirmed.”

One of the sources said the investigators were trying to establish the nature of the former governor’s recent interactions with the detained officers.

He said the former governor might be invited for interrogation should credible links between him and the detained officers be established.

It has been reported that the investigation is being coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), with representation from the three services of the Armed Forces.

“Members of the probe panel are very senior officers, headed by a major general. The comprehensive list of officers being investigated is highly guarded,” he said.

Our sources also stated that the Brigadier-General being referred to is from Niger State.

“The Colonel from Nasarawa State that is being investigated is also from a very influential family. His father is a traditional ruler in Nasarawa State and a brother of former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura,” the source added.

Advertisement

Findings in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, revealed that members of the Al-Makura family are worried.

“He is my uncle,” a family member told Daily Trust.

“The entire family is in distress. I am personally worried…The wife of the officer is worried.

“Our prayer is may they not be found guilty of the allegation,” the family member said.

Daily Trust further gathered that more officers have been picked for questioning over their remote or direct connection with the alleged coup plan.

“Aside from the former governor, there are other influential politicians from both north and southern parts of the country that are being watched,” said another source.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs.

Advertisement

This is “in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture,” a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, read Friday.

The statement is titled ‘Tinubu changes service chiefs.’

According to Dare, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

“The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.

“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” the statement further read.

READ ALSO

Osun 2026: Adeleke Reportedly Renews Bid To Join APC; Lobbies Osoba, Ribadu To Convince Tinubu

Advertisement

Tinubu charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by further enhancing the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

All appointments take immediate effect.

On June 19, 2023, that Bola Tinubu approved the immediate retirement of all the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Comptroller-General of Customs.

At that time, the President said the move was part of his plan to reposition Nigeria’s security leadership and strengthen the national security architecture.

The 2023 reshuffle came amid persistent security threats in Nigeria, including insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest and secessionist unrest in parts of the Southeast.

In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Saturday, the military had denied a news report by Sahara Reporters, linking the detention of 16 military officers to a failed coup.

The online newspaper had linked the alleged coup to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day by the Federal Government.

Advertisement

Dismissing the report in an official statement on Saturday, Gusau condemned the report, saying it was “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”

According to him, the October 1 anniversary parade cancellation was “purely administrative.”

He explained that the cancellation was meant to enable the President to attend a bilateral meeting abroad and enable troops to sustain ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry.

READ ALSO

Multichoice’s New Owner Canal+ Crashes DStv Prices To Attract New Subscribers

Advertisement

Kashim Shettima Mustapha GCON, the esteemed position of the 15th Vice President of Nigeria.

Shettima is widely recognized for his exceptional intelligence and strategic acumen, qualities that have earned him high regard not just within political circles but also among the citizens of Nigeria, a nation characterized by its rich diversity and resilience.

His ability to navigate complex political landscapes reflects the same intelligence that is emblematic of the vast and vibrant population of Nigeria.

The Vice President temporarily handed over his office to 14-year-old Joy Ogah, a passionate advocate for girl-child education, for a symbolic one-day tenure on Monday.

This move highlights the Tinubu administration’s commitment to advancing education and empowerment, especially for girls.

As the ceremonial Vice President, Ogah delivered a compelling address, calling for inclusive education, protection of girls’ rights, and improved school amenities like sanitation and nutrition.

“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she declared, captivating her audience. She added, “I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets.”

Advertisement

Before passing the torch, Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to girl-child education, citing initiatives like the school feeding program.

He also lauded First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a champion of female empowerment, noting her impactful contributions to girl-child education debates during her time in the Nigerian Senate.

The event occurred during a meeting with a PLAN International delegation, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, focused on advancing girl-child education in Nigeria.

The organization has supported over 11 million Nigerian children through interventions in education and entrepreneurship.

Ogah’s brief tenure as Vice President sent a resounding message, urging leaders and citizens to prioritize sustained investment in girl-child education for a brighter, more equitable future.

Advertisement

Recent developments regarding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have raised concerns following the arrest of his brother and lawyer.

Both individuals are currently in custody after being arraigned in court.

On Monday, human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, led a protest in Abuja demanding Kanu’s immediate release. Kanu has been held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021.

Political and public affairs analyst Barrister Darlington Agomuo has commented on the situation, suggesting that the Igbo community should hold Sowore accountable for any repercussions Kanu may face. He emphasized that it is unlikely that any government would respond to such protests to secure the release of an individual.

He said, “If anything should happen to Nnamdi Kanu now, we should blame Sowore. He’s the one who already told us that the government had already taken a position to convict Nnamdi Kanu. He said it himself. So, when you know about this, why are you doing what you are doing? I have never seen any government in the world that was forced to do certain things.

You don’t force the government to do things, you don’t. The courts are there if you are fighting for your rights, but to wake up and say I want this person to be released, or the country will nobody will listen to you. It has never happened, and it will not happen under Tinubu. I was telling Sowore to stop this prank he was playing.

He knows very well that this protest will not yield any fruit. The efforts Igbos have been making would have been more possible if it were allowed to sail through, but Sowore has carried his rascality to spoil our show. In fact, if anything should happen to Kanu now, we should blame Sowore,” he concluded.

Advertisement

WATCH VIDEO HERE

READ ALSO

List of 5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Applying For FG’s N150,000 Monthly Pay, How To Apply

The Department of State Service (DSS) has raised a fresh tension as it revealed an imminent terrorist attack in some communities in Kogi and Ondo states, which was planned by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), according to Legit.

The secret police police the plan of the terrorist group in a secret memo, which was dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure.

Vanguard reported that the DSS explained that credible intelligence has confirmed the plan of the terrorist group, which was to launch coordinated assaults in several communities in the two states.

Ondo communities ISWAP plans to attack

The memo was signed by the director of security of the DSS Ondo State Command and listed Oyin Akoko and Eriti Akoko in the Akoko North local government area of Ondo and Owo town in the Owo local government area, saying those are the potential targets of ISWAP.

According to the secret police, the terrorist group has started surveillance on soft targets in the mentioned areas and called on the military to heighten its security operations to stop any impending attack. The secret police urged the military to scale up the level of security in the areas to protect lives and property.

This security alert came three years after the killing of over 40 worshippers in June 2022 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo state, by some suspected ISWAP members. The killings happened during a morning service.

Advertisement

The Owo attack was one of the significant killings of the terrorist group, as it happened outside the region where ISWAP and other groups have dominated, the northeast. It shook the country and has continued to raise tension in the southwest.

When terrorists gained prominence in Nigeria

Since the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the activities of the terrorists have spread across northern Nigeria, beyond the wall of the north-east, where it started with banditry and kidnapping in the north-west and north-central.

The menace continued in the eight years of Buhari’s administration, and the current president, Bola Tinubu, has also inherited the challenges. One major problem caused by the insurgency was food security, as most of the foods in the country are produced in the north, and farmers have been unable to access their farms for over a decade.

Legit.ng

Top private secondary schools now charge fees as high as private universities.

But behind each modern campus, fancy facilities, and international programs is a story of hard work, vision, and money.

From pioneering educators to embassy-backed schools, find out who is turning expensive schooling into big business in Nigeria’s largest city.

1. Greensprings School
   Visionary Founder: Mrs. Lai Koiki

Starting as a small nursery in 1985, Koiki transformed Greensprings into a tri-campus British-style institution serving over 2,000 students. Today, day pupils pay about ₦3.8 million per term, while boarding spots go for around ₦7.1 million testimony to her decades-long commitment to high-quality, holistic education.

2. Grange School
   Nonprofit Legacy: Grange Education Limited

Launched in 1958 by British expatriates to educate children of West African Airways staff, Grange is run by a parent-and-stakeholder board. With term fees near ₦4.5 million for day students and ₦6.5 million for boarders, its nonprofit status means every naira is reinvested into campus expansion and teacher development.

3. Lekki British International School
   Family-Led Enterprise: The Idehen Siblings

Founded by the late Dr. Abiodun Laja in 2000, LBIS now thrives under the stewardship of her children, Francis and Christian Idehen. They uphold a rigorous UK National Curriculum for roughly 350 pupils, charging about ₦4.6 million per year for day schooling and ₦6.8 million to board.

4. British International School, Lagos
   Global Backing: British Schools Foundation

Part of an international network, BIS Lagos blends Cambridge and British curricula on its Lekki Peninsula campus. With termly fees climbing above ₦5 million for day scholars and ₦7.5 million for boarders, it attracts a truly cosmopolitan student body and overseas-trained faculty.

5. Meadow Hall School
   Educational Innovators: The Hansotia Family

Since its 2002 inception, Meadow Hall has championed inquiry-based learning across two campuses. Their upscale campus in Lekki features science labs, art studios, and green play spaces. Day students pay around ₦4 million per term; boarders hover near ₦7 million.

6. Atlantic Hall
   Alumni-Driven Council: Former Students & Parents

Atlantic Hall established in 1989 operates under a vibrant alumni and parent board committed to continuous improvement. Known for its A-Level program and expansive sports facilities, it charges close to ₦3.9 million per term for day pupils and ₦6.3 million for boarders.

7. Corona Day Secondary School, Lekki
   Heritage Brand: Corona Schools

With roots stretching back to the 1950s, Corona remains a household name. The Lekki branch offers the Nigerian curriculum alongside international enrichment programs. Fees are roughly ₦3.7 million per term for day students; boarding isn’t offered here, keeping costs slightly lower.

8. Lycée Français Louis Pasteur
   Diplomatic Mission: French Embassy

Operated by France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this school delivers the French national curriculum from primary through lycée. Its bilingual immersion and international accreditation command term fees of about ₦5 million reflecting its elite pedigree and embassy support.

9. Charterhouse Lagos
   Tech-Minded Founders: The Petkauskas Family

Charterhouse, birthed in 2000, has built a reputation for coding and robotics labs alongside classical academics. Day scholars invest roughly ₦4.2 million per term; boarding which includes weekend hackathons runs nearly ₦6.7 million.

10. American International School of Lagos
    Consortium Ownership: American and Local Partners

AISL, part of a global network, follows an American curriculum with Advanced Placement options. Situated in Victoria Island, it caters to expatriate and Nigerian families, charging around ₦5.2 million per term for day schooling and ₦7.8 million for its residential program.

Business Elites Africa