Wike Boycotts Council of State Meeting as Tinubu Backs Amupitan for INEC Chair — Rift Widens | The Bureau News
By Queen Madaki, Abuja
The Bureau News reports that tensions inside the Presidency escalated on Thursday after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu backed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a move that sources say ran counter to the preference of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
According to SaharaReporters and insider accounts cited in their report, Wike allegedly boycotted the Council of State meeting in protest, sending the Minister of State for the FCT in his place. The outlet further alleged that the rift has widened over Tinubu’s choice of Amupitan, with claims that Wike’s preferred candidate, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman (Court of Appeal), was dropped following skepticism within the Presidency.
Appointment of Prof. Amupitan
The Council of State on Thursday approved the exercise of presidential prerogative and ratified key items on its agenda. During the sitting, President Tinubu moved to secure support for Prof. Amupitan, a University of Jos law professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to lead INEC, pending Senate screening and confirmation.
Presidency sources quoted by SaharaReporters claim the nomination was presented unexpectedly during the meeting, with attendees ultimately endorsing the choice. The Presidency has publicly described Amupitan as apolitical and reform-minded.
Claims About Wike’s Absence and a Fractured Alliance
The report by SaharaReporters alleges that Wike’s relationship with the Presidency has deteriorated, linking the slide to a storm of controversy following asset exposure claims made by activist Omoyele Sowore. The outlet also alleges that Wike sought to influence the INEC appointment and that his public posture since Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s reinstatement has drawn concern among Tinubu’s advisers.
The Bureau News notes that these are allegations reported by SaharaReporters; as at press time, Wike has not issued an official statement addressing the boycott claim or the allegations regarding preferred candidates. Efforts to obtain a response from his media team were unsuccessful.
Media Briefings, Assets Allegations, and Internal Pushback — Report
In the same account, SaharaReporters alleges that Tinubu’s aides advised a pause on Wike’s monthly media briefings to lower tensions, while also claiming that Wike sought adjustments at the Code of Conduct Bureau regarding asset declarations — assertions The Bureau News cannot independently verify at this time.
Separately, the Presidency has maintained that the INEC transition is aimed at stability, credibility, and timely preparations for upcoming off-cycle elections and the 2027 general elections.
What Amupitan’s Nomination Signals
Analysts say Amupitan, a scholar of corporate governance and evidence law, would be stepping into an agency still navigating trust and technology questions after the 2023 elections, including the performance of BVAS and the IReV portal. If confirmed by the Senate, he will inherit an agenda heavy on logistics, technology assurance, and stakeholder confidence-building.
Cost-of-Living Context
Beyond the politics, Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs. Current market checks show sustained pressure on staples in Lagos and Abuja:
See foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today and foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today.
Today’s Top Food Prices in Lagos & Abuja — The Bureau News
| Item | Mile 12 (₦) | Wuse Market (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (50 kg) | 64,800 | 67,900 |
| Beans (50 kg) | 58,000 | 61,000 |
| Garri (50 kg) | 23,900 | 24,500 |
| Palm Oil (25 L) | 35,000 | 37,000 |
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