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). His nomination follows the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, which ended in October 2025 after a decade in office.
Tinubu presents Amupitan to Council of State
President Bola Tinubu presented Professor Amupitan’s nomination during a Council of State meeting held at the Aso Villa, according to a statement released by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
The President noted that Amupitan, a respected legal scholar, is the first person from Kogi State in Nigeria’s North-Central region to be nominated for the role of INEC Chairman. He also emphasised that Amupitan is apolitical, a key quality required for the office.
“Council members unanimously supported the nomination,” Onanuga stated. “Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described Amupitan as a man of integrity.”
In accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional requirements, President Tinubu will forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Who is Professor Joash Amupitan?
Joash Ojo Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), where he also serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
Born on April 25, 1967, Amupitan has built a distinguished career in legal academia, public service, and governance. He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
Education and legal career
Amupitan completed his secondary education before attending Kwara State Polytechnic (1982–1984) and later earned his LL.B from the University of Jos in 1987. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
He went on to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M) from UNIJOS in 1993, and later a PhD in Law in 2007.
He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014, a prestigious rank awarded for excellence in legal practice and contributions to the law.
Academic and public service credentials
Professor Amupitan joined the academic staff of UNIJOS in 1989, immediately after completing his National Youth Service Corps at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. Since then, he has held various leadership positions, including:
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Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014)
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Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014)
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Head, Department of Public Law (2006–2008)
He has also served in national legal education institutions, including:
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Member, Council of Legal Education (2008–2014)
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Governing Council Member, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
Private sector and publications
Beyond academia, Amupitan has held roles in the private and public sectors. He has served as:
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Board member, Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom
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Former board member, Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996–2004)
He is the author of several influential legal texts, including:
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Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)
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Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)
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Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)
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Principles of Company Law (2013)
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Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014)
What comes next?
Professor Amupitan’s nomination now awaits Senate confirmation. If approved, he will become Nigeria’s new electoral umpire, tasked with overseeing the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He is married with four children.
