In a significant development, 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 Amupitan’s name at the Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Governors and former heads of state present at the session gave their full backing to the nominee.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu will now transmit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation in line with constitutional requirements.
“In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening,” Onanuga said.
Profile & Background
- Origin & Education: Prof. Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State and holds degrees from Kwara State Polytechnic and the University of Jos, where he also obtained his LLM and PhD.
- Academic Career: He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, with specialization in Company Law, Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
- Legal Distinction: He was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014.
- Leadership Roles: Over his career, he has held roles such as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at UNIJOS, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, and membership on multiple legal, educational, and corporate boards.
Transition & Implications
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose ten-year tenure as INEC Chairman (2015–2025) recently concluded. In the interim, May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior INEC Commissioner, served as Acting Chairman pending the new appointment.
The appointment has been widely welcomed by political observers who see in Amupitan’s record a blend of academic rigor and legal experience — qualities deemed essential for the stewardship of Nigeria’s electoral body in the lead up to critical 2027 elections.
However, with Senate confirmation still pending, Amupitan’s appointment is not yet final. The next few days will determine whether he will formally take the helm of INEC.