The National Council of State has unanimously approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the nomination during the Council’s meeting held at the State House on Thursday, following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to October 2025.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Council gave its unanimous backing to Amupitan’s nomination after deliberations on his credentials and character.
President Tinubu described the nominee as the first person from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, to be nominated for the position, emphasizing that he is non-partisan and possesses the integrity and competence required to strengthen the nation’s electoral system.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who spoke during the session, lauded Amupitan as “a man of integrity and impeccable academic standing,” commending the President for his choice.
In line with constitutional provisions, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Aged 58, Professor Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
A distinguished academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, Amupitan obtained his LL.B from the University of Jos in 1987 and was called to the bar in 1988. He later earned an LL.M from the same university in 1993 and a Ph.D. in 2007.
His teaching career, which began in 1989, has seen him serve in various leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Head of Public Law (2006–2008), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014).
Beyond academia, Professor Amupitan has served on several boards and councils, including the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Council of Legal Education, and Integrated Dairies Limited.
A prolific author, his publications include Corporate Governance: Models and Principles, Documentary Evidence in Nigeria, Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria, and Principles of Company Law.
He is married and blessed with four children.
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