The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s name during the Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.
President Tinubu described Professor Amupitan as “a man of integrity and professionalism,” noting that he is the first individual from Kogi State — within the North-Central geopolitical zone — to be nominated for the position. The President further emphasized that Amupitan is non-partisan and possesses the competence and credibility required to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
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Council members unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, commending the choice, saying, “Professor Amupitan is a man of integrity whose credentials speak for themselves.”
In line with constitutional requirements, President Tinubu will now forward Amupitan’s nomination to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Born on April 25, 1967, Professor Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he also serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
A renowned scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, Amupitan specializes in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. He earned his LLB and LLM from the University of Jos in 1987 and 1993, respectively, and obtained his PhD in Law from the same institution in 2007.
He began his academic career in 1989 after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. Over the years, he has served as Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Head of Public Law (2006–2008), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014).
Outside academia, Amupitan has contributed significantly to both public and private sectors. He is the current Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, and serves on the boards of Integrated Dairies Limited, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and the Council of Legal Education.
He has authored several notable legal texts, including 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).
Professor Amupitan is married and blessed with four children.
Signed:
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
