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).
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State to be appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The announcement was made on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu presented Amupitan’s name to the council to fill the vacancy created by the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.
“President Tinubu informed the council that Amupitan is the first nominee from Kogi State in the North-Central zone to be considered for the position and that he is apolitical,” Onanuga said.
Ododo Describes Amupitan As a Man Of Integrity
The council reportedly gave unanimous support to the nomination, with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of proven integrity.
In line with constitutional requirements, President Tinubu will now forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
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Yakubu, who concluded his tenure earlier this week, handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner, as acting chairman pending the appointment of his successor.
Amupitan’s Profile
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan has built an impressive career in legal education and public service.
He obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Jos in 1987 and was called to the Nigerian Bar a year later.
He went on to earn his Master of Laws (LL.M) in 1993 and his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Law in 2007, all from the same university.
Amupitan joined the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer and steadily rose through the academic ranks, becoming a Professor of Law in 2008.
In 2014, he was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), recognising his excellence in legal scholarship and advocacy.
A specialist in Corporate Law, Corporate Governance, and the Law of Evidence, Professor Amupitan has published over 50 academic works, including books, journal articles, and research papers.
He has also served in key administrative positions, including Head of the Department of Public Law, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.
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Beyond the university system, he has contributed to legal and institutional reforms as a member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the Council of Legal Education.
Before his appointment to head INEC, Amupitan served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU).
Amupitan is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and they are blessed with four children.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
