Amupitan Confirmed by National Council as INEC Chairman

The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This development follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination to fill the vacancy left by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served with distinction from 2015 until October 2025.

In presenting Professor Amupitan’s nomination at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu described him as an apolitical, highly qualified professional and notably the first from Kogi State in the North-Central region to be nominated for this esteemed position. The council’s unanimous endorsement reflects confidence in Amupitan’s integrity and vast experience.

Professor Amupitan, aged 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he also serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). His academic journey began in 1989 at the university and has grown over a career spanning more than three decades.

Possessing specializations in Company Law, Corporate Governance, Law of Evidence, and Privatization Law, Amupitan is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a title he attained in 2014. His educational background includes completing his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) at the University of Jos, being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, earning a Master of Laws (LL.M) in 1993, and a Ph.D. in Law in 2007, all at the University of Jos.

Throughout his academic career, Amupitan has held several leadership positions including Head of Department of Public Law, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors at the University of Jos. He also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.

ADVERTISEMENT

Beyond academia, Amupitan has contributed significantly to public service and legal practice, including membership on the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council and the Council of Legal Education. His corporate governance experience extends to board roles in companies such as Integrated Dairies Limited.

Known for his authoritative writings, Amupitan is the author of key legal texts including “Corporate Governance: Models and Principles,” “Documentary Evidence in Nigeria,” and “The Law of Trust in Nigeria.”

Following the Council of State’s approval, President Tinubu will submit Professor Amupitan’s name to the Senate for the mandatory screening and confirmation process, as stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution.

Professor Amupitan is married with four children, balancing a rigorous professional life with family commitments.

This appointment comes at a pivotal time for Nigeria’s electoral management, with the country preparing for upcoming elections requiring credibility, transparency, and professional leadership.