On Thursday, the National Council of State unanimously endorsed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the incoming Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu whose term concludes in October 2025.
During the Council’s session at the State House, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally proposed Amupitan’s nomination, praising him as “an esteemed scholar, a man of unquestionable integrity, and a politically neutral Nigerian whose expertise and fairness are indisputable.”
A statement from the State House, issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, highlighted the historic nature of this appointment, noting that Amupitan would be the first individual from Kogi State in the North-Central zone to be nominated for the top INEC position.
After thorough discussions, the Council gave its full support to the nomination. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, speaking on behalf of the governors, applauded the choice, calling it “a testament to excellence, integrity, and dedication.”
Governor Ododo emphasized, “Professor Amupitan has rendered invaluable service to Nigeria through his academic and legal expertise. His profound grasp of governance and legal frameworks will enhance our electoral processes and reinforce public trust in INEC.”
The statement further confirmed that President Tinubu will soon forward Amupitan’s nomination to the Senate for confirmation, in accordance with constitutional requirements.
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Profile of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan, aged 58, is a distinguished legal scholar and currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, where he has dedicated over 30 years to academia.
He also holds the position of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Amupitan earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Law from the University of Jos, and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
Since 2014, he has been recognized as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), with expertise in Company Law, Evidence Law, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
His academic leadership roles include serving as Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014), Chair of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014), and Head of the Department of Public Law (2006-2008) at the University of Jos.
Beyond academia, Amupitan has contributed significantly to both public and private sectors, holding board memberships at institutions such as the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, the Council of Legal Education, and Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, Plateau State.
He is also a prolific author, with key publications including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008) and Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013).
Onanuga remarked, “Professor Amupitan embodies the ideal combination of academic excellence, patriotism, and ethical leadership that INEC requires at this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
Professor Amupitan is married and a father of four.
