The National Council of State has approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s electoral leadership.
The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the Council’s meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Tinubu presented Amupitan’s name to the Council during the session, which reportedly endorsed his nomination unanimously. The appointment comes after the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who completed his 10-year tenure in October 2025.
Tinubu described the nominee as a distinguished legal scholar and reform-minded administrator, noting that Amupitan, a 58-year-old Professor of Law from Kogi State, is the first person from the North-Central region to be nominated for the INEC top job.
Council members praised the choice, with Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, calling Amupitan “a man of integrity” whose experience and principles would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening,” Onanuga’s statement added.
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.
He began his academic journey at UNIJOS in 1989 after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation, rising through the ranks as a respected scholar and administrator.
Amupitan has held several leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Head of the Department of Public Law (2006–2008), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014).
Known for his expertise in public law and governance, the senior advocate has published widely and contributed to major legal reforms in Nigeria.
If confirmed by the Senate, Amupitan will be tasked with leading INEC into a new era of electoral transparency and credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
