Writing By Bello Wakili; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Confirming the development, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the approval followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of Professor Amupitan’s nomination to the council during its meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The nomination comes after the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to October 2025.
President Tinubu noted that Professor Amupitan, who hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, is the first person from the North-Central state to be nominated for the position.
He described the nominee as a distinguished academic and an apolitical professional.
Council members unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, describing Professor Amupitan as “a man of integrity and deep intellect.”
In line with constitutional provisions, President Tinubu will forward the nominee’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Professor Amupitan, 58, is a Professor of Law and the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.
He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, Amupitan specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
He has authored several legal textbooks and held numerous academic and administrative positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Law and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors at the University of Jos.
He is married with four children.
PR Bello Wakili
