The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from the North-Central region 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 on Friday to fill the vacancy created by the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended in October 2025 after serving as INEC Chairman since 2015.
President Tinubu informed the Council that Amupitan, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is the first person from Kogi State in the North-Central zone to be nominated for the position. The President described the nominee as apolitical and widely respected for his integrity, academic distinction, and commitment to institutional reforms.
Council members, including former heads of state, governors, and key political figures, unanimously endorsed Amupitan’s nomination. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who spoke after the session, commended the choice, describing the nominee as “a man of character and impeccable integrity.”
Following the Council’s endorsement, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation, in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was born on April 25, 1967, and has had a distinguished career in legal education, spanning more than three decades.
As INEC Chairman-designate, Amupitan is expected to bring his experience in governance and institutional reform to bear on Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly as the country prepares for key off-cycle elections and begins preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The nomination is seen by observers as part of President Tinubu’s broader efforts to strengthen public institutions and restore confidence in the electoral system. A senior presidential aide said the President sought a candidate with “a reputation for fairness, academic discipline, and administrative competence.”
The Council’s endorsement of Amupitan marks the final stage of the internal consultation process before Senate confirmation. If confirmed, he will become the tenth person to lead INEC since its establishment and the first from Kogi State to occupy the position.
Professor Amupitan is widely regarded for his calm disposition, analytical skills, and commitment to institutional ethics. Colleagues at the University of Jos describe him as “a bridge between academia and governance” whose leadership style emphasises transparency, mentorship, and service to the nation.
The decision of the Council of State, which includes former Presidents, Vice Presidents, serving Governors, and key security officials, was described by insiders as “unanimous and devoid of controversy,” reflecting a rare consensus across political lines.
With Senate confirmation expected in the coming weeks, preparations are already underway at the electoral commission for a smooth leadership transition to ensure continuity ahead of upcoming elections.
This is a vital nugget that will aid our readers and teachers to have a up-to-date knowledge about elections, citizenship, and the responsibilities of voters which are crucial pillars of Nigeria’s democratic process today.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Professor Amupitan is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a role he holds alongside serving as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of another federal institution.
Amupitan obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Jos in 1987 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing the Nigerian Law School programme in Lagos. He later earned a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of Jos in 1993 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law from the same institution in 2007.
Before joining academia, he completed his National Youth Service with the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation from 1988 to 1989, where he began his professional career. His teaching career commenced shortly thereafter at the University of Jos in 1989, where he steadily rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Law.
A highly respected legal scholar, Professor Amupitan specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. Over the years, he has published extensively in these fields and served as an external examiner and visiting lecturer to several Nigerian universities.
He was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014, a recognition of his exceptional contributions to legal scholarship and the development of Nigeria’s legal system.
CAREER
Professor Amupitan has also served in several capacities within and outside academia. He has been a consultant to government agencies, including the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Nigerian Law Reform Commission. He is also a member of professional bodies such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT), and the International Bar Association (IBA).
