Our Reporter, Abuja
The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s name to the council during its meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, following the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure in October 2025. Yakubu had served as INEC Chairman since 2015.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Amupitan as an apolitical individual and the first person from Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, to be nominated for the top electoral position.
Council members reportedly gave their unanimous backing to the nomination, with Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, commending Amupitan as “a man of integrity and impeccable character.”
In line with constitutional requirements, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan, 58, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he also serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
A distinguished scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, Amupitan holds degrees from the University of Jos, including an LLM (1993) and PhD (2007). His academic career began in 1989 after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation.
He has held several key academic positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, and Head of the Department of Public Law at the University of Jos.
Outside academia, Amupitan serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, and sits on several boards, including Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom.
A prolific author, his notable publications include Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), and Principles of Company Law (2013).
Professor Amupitan is married and blessed with four children.
