The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The appointment was made following the recommendation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking the end of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as INEC Chairman.
Council Endorses Tinubu’s Nominee
During the Council of State meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu presented Professor Amupitan’s name for consideration. Members of the Council unanimously endorsed the nomination, describing him as a man of integrity and strong academic credentials.
The President emphasized that Professor Amupitan hails from Kogi State, making him the first person from the North Central region to be nominated as INEC Chairman. Tinubu commended his professional record and commitment to fairness, describing him as “eminently qualified to lead Nigeria’s electoral body.”
In line with constitutional requirements, the President will forward Professor Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Profile of Professor Joash Amupitan
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan is a respected legal scholar, administrator, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Below are key highlights of his career and background:
- Full Name: Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
- Date of Birth: April 25, 1967
- State of Origin: Kogi State
- Place of Birth: Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State
- Educational Background:
- LLB, University of Jos (1987)
- LLM, University of Jos (1993)
- PhD, University of Jos (2007)
- Year Called to Bar: 1988
- Current Position: Professor of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Jos
- Other Roles: Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State
- Specializations: Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law
- Professional Honour: Elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014
- Academic Contributions: Author of several books including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles and Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria
- Family: Married with four children
Over his decades-long career, Professor Amupitan has served in several leadership capacities, including Dean of the Faculty of Law, Head of Department, and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors at the University of Jos. He has also served on corporate and educational boards such as the Council of Legal Education and Integrated Dairies Limited.
Transition from Professor Mahmood Yakubu
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who has led the Independent National Electoral Commission since 2015, officially concluded his second term in October 2025. During his tenure, Yakubu oversaw two general elections and multiple off-cycle polls, leaving a legacy of reforms in election logistics and technology adoption.
While awaiting Senate confirmation, May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior INEC National Commissioner, briefly served as Acting INEC Chairperson.
What Comes Next
The Senate is expected to begin the screening and confirmation process for Professor Amupitan in the coming days. Lawmakers, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders are likely to assess his readiness to strengthen electoral credibility, institutional independence, and voter confidence ahead of upcoming elections.
Political analysts have noted that Amupitan’s appointment could bring fresh perspective to the leadership of Nigeria’s electoral body, particularly with his legal and academic background. His emergence from the North Central region also adds a new dimension to regional representation in federal appointments.
With the endorsement of the Council of State and the imminent Senate screening, Professor Joash Amupitan stands poised to become the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. His appointment signals President Tinubu’s commitment to credible elections and institutional continuity in Nigeria’s democratic process.
