Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) has been nominated as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with a critical mandate to oversee credible and transparent elections across Nigeria.
Key stakeholders, including political parties and civil society groups, have emphasized to LEADERSHIP the urgent need for Amupitan to restore trust and integrity within Nigeria’s electoral framework.
While some voices remain cautiously hopeful about his neutrality, many have expressed strong confidence in his patriotism and ethical standards.
There is a unanimous call for the Senate to conduct a comprehensive and rigorous vetting process before confirming his appointment to lead the nation’s electoral body.
According to LEADERSHIP’s report, the National Council of State gave its approval for Amupitan’s nomination on Thursday.
President Bola Tinubu put forward Amupitan’s name to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose two consecutive five-year terms concluded in October 2025.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga highlighted that Amupitan is the first nominee from Kogi State in the North-Central geopolitical zone to be considered for this prestigious role, describing him as politically neutral.
The Council members unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo praising Amupitan’s integrity.
Following constitutional requirements, President Tinubu will now submit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation.
The Selection Process of the New INEC Chairman
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, speaking after the Council of State meeting, affirmed that the appointment adhered strictly to constitutional protocols and enjoyed full backing from Council members.
“One of the significant decisions made today was the appointment of the INEC chairman, a responsibility vested in the President in consultation with the National Council of State,” he explained.
Uzodinma elaborated that President Tinubu nominated Professor Amupitan, a distinguished Law professor specializing in the Law of Evidence at the University of Jos, to replace Professor Yakubu.
“Professor Amupitan (SAN) is a highly respected academic with impeccable credentials and a history free from partisan politics,” the governor added.
He noted that the Council received the nomination positively, with multiple speakers commending Amupitan’s expertise, character, and professional achievements.
“After a thorough evaluation of his qualifications, the Council unanimously approved his appointment,” Uzodinma concluded.
Attendance Highlights at the Council of State Meeting
The National Council of State, established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, advises the President on critical national matters, including the appointment of the INEC chairman.
The hybrid meeting took place in the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, starting around 1:30 p.m., with attendance from current and former leaders, governors, and senior officials.
Present in person were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; and Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Several state governors, including AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Alex Otti (Abia), were also present.
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were absent, while former military Heads of State Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar participated virtually.
Additionally, former Chief Justices of Nigeria Muhammad Tanko, Mohammed Belgore, Walter Onnoghen, and the current CJN Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun attended the session.
Calls for Integrity and Transparency from Civil Society
Yiaga Africa and other civil society organizations have urged Professor Amupitan to demonstrate unwavering integrity, transparency, and courage if confirmed, to rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Cynthia Mbamalu, Yiaga Africa’s Director of Programmes, told LEADERSHIP that the next INEC chairman must be non-partisan and resilient against political pressures, with proven expertise in election management and an unblemished record.
“Given the competitive nature of upcoming elections and Nigeria’s complex political and security environment, these qualities are indispensable,” she said.
Mbamalu also recommended a broad-based, multi-stakeholder approach to the Senate screening, encouraging public participation and input.
“We have already communicated key criteria to the National Assembly and Council of State, emphasizing the importance of leadership that can restore citizens’ confidence in INEC,” she added.
She urged the Senate to solicit public feedback and focus screening questions on electoral competence, knowledge of electoral laws, and INEC’s operational mechanisms.
“With elections looming, the new chairman must be ready to act swiftly, as the election notice is expected by February,” Mbamalu emphasized.
Transition Monitoring Group Highlights Need for Electoral Reforms
Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), stressed the necessity for the new INEC chairman to uphold transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.
“If confirmed, the chairman must assure Nigerians that the democratic will of the people will be respected and protected,” Rafsanjani stated.
He called on President Tinubu to prioritize the implementation of existing electoral reform recommendations crafted by Nigerian experts.
“Restoring both domestic and international confidence in Nigeria’s electoral institutions is paramount,” he added.
Rafsanjani also advocated for reforms within political parties, noting that many are dominated by wealthy elites and function more like businesses than platforms for genuine political engagement.
“Without internal party democracy, the integrity of elections will remain compromised,” he warned.
INEC’s Own Guidelines Must Be Enforced – Igbuzor
Dr Otive Igbuzor, founder of the Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), expressed hope that Amupitan would lead INEC with integrity and restore public confidence.
“Integrity, strict adherence to regulations, and resistance to compromise are essential,” Igbuzor said.
He pointed out that INEC is already aware of the reforms needed and urged the commission to consistently apply its own guidelines.
Igbuzor also called for legal reforms to give INEC’s guidelines statutory backing and cautioned against judicial decisions that undermine electoral credibility.
“With these reforms, Nigeria can achieve genuinely free, fair, and credible elections,” he concluded.
ADC Expects New INEC Chairman to Restore Electoral Confidence
Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), expressed cautious optimism about Amupitan’s appointment.
“We expect the new chairman to surpass his predecessor and restore Nigerians’ and the international community’s trust in our elections,” Abdullahi said.
He emphasized that the chairman’s loyalty should be to the Nigerian people rather than the government and urged him to build a legacy that future generations will admire.
“His tenure will likely span multiple electoral cycles, so he must prioritize the nation’s interests over those of his appointing authorities,” he added.
Senator Karimi Praises Amupitan’s Scholarly Excellence
Senator Steve Karimi (APC, Kogi West) lauded Amupitan as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished scholars, highlighting his rigorous legal expertise, administrative experience, and non-partisan patriotism.
“I am proud that the President has chosen an intellectual of such high caliber from my senatorial district to lead the nation’s electoral commission,” Karimi remarked.
He described Amupitan as a true Nigerian, noting his deep ties to both the Okun-Yoruba community in Kogi West and Plateau State, where he spent much of his academic life.
Karimi also pointed out that Amupitan’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was completed in Bauchi State, further cementing his connection to Northern Nigeria.
“These experiences make him a genuine son of the North,” he concluded.
Ex-IPAC Chair Calls Appointment a Milestone for Democracy
Chief Peter Ameh, former national chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and National Secretary of the Council of United Political Parties (CUPP), described Amupitan’s nomination as a significant step forward for Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
In a phone interview, Ameh emphasized the nominee’s responsibility to rebuild public trust in INEC, which has suffered credibility challenges due to controversies in recent elections.
“Amupitan’s reputation for integrity and apolitical stance, along with the regional balance his appointment represents, are positive signs,” he said.
Ameh recalled that the 2023 general elections, despite being technologically advanced, were plagued by issues such as malfunctioning BVAS devices and limited real-time result transmission on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
He noted that these problems, coupled with widespread reports of vote-buying and result manipulation, disenfranchised many voters, especially in urban and opposition areas.
“With his legal expertise and commitment to fairness, Amupitan is well-positioned to restore INEC’s independence and credibility,” Ameh concluded.
Obidient Movement Welcomes New Leadership
The Obidient Movement, through a statement signed by national coordinator Dr Yunusa Tanko and communications director Nana Kazaure, expressed hope that Amupitan’s tenure will usher in a new era of electoral integrity.
“We anticipate the enactment of a new Electoral Act that will enhance the freedom, fairness, and credibility of elections, especially as the 2027 general elections approach,” the statement read.
“We look forward to a period of electoral excellence under his stewardship,” it added.
Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum Applauds Nomination
The Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum (NENF) congratulated Professor Amupitan on his nomination and commended President Tinubu for making a strategic and commendable choice.
The Forum also thanked the Council of State for endorsing the appointment.
Former INEC Commissioner Highlights Challenges Ahead
Dr Mustapha Lecky, a former INEC national commissioner, warned that Professor Amupitan will inherit significant reputational and operational challenges stemming from the 2023 elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Lecky said the commission’s public image suffered greatly due to the handling of collation and result declaration processes.
“INEC inflicted avoidable damage on itself, which the outgoing leadership failed to address,” he said.
Lecky stressed that public trust is crucial for election credibility, noting that doubts about election legitimacy can trigger unrest and violence.
While acknowledging that the 2023 elections were not entirely flawed, he criticized the management and pre-election events.
“The new chairman must prioritize restoring trust, rebuilding credibility, and managing post-election disputes,” Lecky advised.
He dismissed fears of early setbacks, citing INEC’s strong bureaucracy and experienced staff as assets.
“Professor Yakubu deserves credit for strengthening the institution’s administrative foundation,” he added.
Celebrations in Kogi State
Kogi State residents celebrated the Council of State’s approval of Amupitan’s appointment with enthusiasm.
Prince Friday Ogungbemi praised President Tinubu and the Council for recognizing the North-Central region.
“Given his status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I am confident he will deliver on his mandate. The North-Central region is known for integrity, and I trust he will uphold that tradition,” Ogungbemi said.
Alhaji Momohjimoh Adeiza, North-Central Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), highlighted the historic nature of the appointment.
“This is the first time someone from the North-Central zone has been appointed INEC chairman. Based on his track record, he has the opportunity to ensure peaceful and credible elections in 2027,” Adeiza stated.
He urged politicians and Nigerians alike to support Amupitan’s success.
Kogi State Government Commends President Tinubu
The Kogi State Government expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for nominating Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as INEC chairman.
In a statement signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, the government praised the appointment as a reflection of the President’s commitment to meritocracy, excellence, and national inclusiveness.
“Professor Amupitan’s distinguished career as a legal scholar, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and administrator demonstrates his capacity for impartiality, integrity, and intellectual rigor-qualities essential for advancing Nigeria’s electoral system,” the statement read.
“On behalf of Kogi State and its people, we assure the nation that Professor Amupitan will uphold the trust placed in him and continue to bring honor to both the state and Nigeria through his dedication to credible elections,” Fanwo added.
The statement concluded with prayers for wisdom, strength, and success as Amupitan assumes his new role.
Profile: Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN
Born on April 25, 1967, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State.
He is a seasoned Professor of Law and alumnus of the University of Jos, specializing in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
Amupitan was elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria status in September 2014.
His educational journey includes early schooling, attendance at Kwara State Polytechnic (1982-1984), and the University of Jos (1984-1987), followed by being called to the Bar in 1988.
He earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in 1993 and a PhD in 2007 from the University of Jos.
His academic career began in 1989 after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation.
Currently, he serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and holds the position of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
Previously, he has held roles such as Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014), Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014), and Head of the Department of Public Law (2006-2008) at the University of Jos.
Amupitan has also contributed to various boards, including Integrated Dairies Ltd (Vom), the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014). He was a board member of Riss Oil Ltd, Abuja (1996-2004).
He is the author of several legal publications, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), Principles of Company Law (2013), and An Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).
Professor Amupitan is married with four children.
