By Peter Omopo | Abuja | October 9, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained that his decision to appoint Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was based on the nominee’s integrity, apolitical stance, and outstanding record of public service.
Speaking during the National Council of State meeting held at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, the President said Amupitan was chosen after a careful evaluation of his credentials and his long-standing commitment to justice and fairness.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu told the council that Amupitan “is the first person from Kogi State, a North-Central state, to be nominated to occupy the position,” adding that he is “eminently qualified and apolitical.”
The Council of State — comprising serving and former leaders of Nigeria — unanimously endorsed Amupitan’s nomination to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose ten-year tenure as INEC Chairman officially ended on Tuesday.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo praised the nomination, describing Amupitan as “a man of proven integrity whose track record reflects deep commitment to justice, knowledge, and national service.”
Following the council’s approval, the President is expected to transmit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Profile of the New Nominee
Born 58 years ago in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Joash Amupitan currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
Amupitan obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos, after earlier studies at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014.
With a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, Amupitan has written extensively on company law, corporate governance, and evidence law. His notable publications include Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), and Principles of Company Law (2013).
Beyond academia, Amupitan has served on several boards, including Integrated Dairies Limited, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and the Council of Legal Education. He was also a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja, between 1996 and 2004.
Described by colleagues as “a jurist of quiet influence,” Professor Amupitan is married and blessed with four children.
Once confirmed by the Senate, he will become Nigeria’s 15th Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
