The National Council of State has unanimously endorsed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
A statement posted on X by President Bola Tinubu’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday confirmed the approval.
President Tinubu had formally presented Amupitan’s name to the Council during its meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, earlier in the day. The appointment comes on the heels of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s departure, following the completion of his 10-year tenure in October 2025.
Speaking at the meeting, Tinubu noted that Amupitan, a 58-year-old Professor of Law from Kogi State, is the first individual from the North-Central region to be nominated for the INEC chairmanship.
PROFILE: Joash Amupitan, the professor of law set to lead INEC to next chapter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has entered a new phase with the appointment of Joash Ojo Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as its chairman.
His emergence follows the end of Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, a period that oversaw some of Nigeria’s most significant and hotly debated elections.
The commission remains central to the nation’s democracy, from managing the voter register to ensuring free and credible elections.
With his appointment, Amupitan is expected to strengthen the commission’s integrity, promote transparency, and drive key electoral reforms that will shape Nigeria’s democratic future.
WHO IS AMUPITAN?
Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967, in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is married to Yemisi Amupitan, and they have four children.
He hails from a family known for its devotion to education and Christian service. His late mother, Alice Ajigba Amupitan, was an educator and church leader in Kogi State.
Amupitan obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Jos in 1987 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. He began his academic career at the University of Jos in 1989 as an assistant lecturer.
He earned his Master of Laws (LL.M) in 1993 and later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law in 2007. His academic journey was marked by perseverance and an unwavering commitment to legal scholarship.
Over the years, his teaching and research have focused on public law, corporate governance, privatisation law, and the law of evidence.
His scholarship includes more than 50 academic works — ranging from journal articles and book chapters to monographs and case reviews.
He has supervised over 30 master’s degree candidates and more than a dozen doctoral students, cementing his reputation as a mentor to the next generation of legal scholars.
SAN AND PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
In 2014, Amupitan attained the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the highest recognition in the legal profession.
The honour acknowledged his excellence in legal practice, research, and contributions to Nigerian jurisprudence. It positioned him as both an academic and a practitioner who bridges the gap between theory and legal reality.
In December 2023, he was appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ilesa, Osun State — a testament to his leadership and commitment to advancing education.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEADERSHIP ROLES
At the University of Jos, Amupitan headed the Department of Public Law before becoming Dean of the Faculty of Law.
He later served as Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors and was a member of the University’s Governing Council.
In 2022, he was elected Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), a role that expanded his leadership experience in university governance.
Beyond the university system, Amupitan has also served on the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and on the Council of Legal Education.
These roles have positioned him at the heart of national discussions shaping legal education and policy in Nigeria.
AMUPITAN AND INEC’S NEW ERA
Amupitan’s appointment as INEC chairman comes at a time of heightened public scrutiny and demand for electoral integrity.
The commission is expected to implement more transparent processes, enhance the use of technology, and ensure the timely conduct of elections.
With his extensive background in academia, legal reform, and institutional governance, expectations are high that he will bring discipline, stability, and reform-minded leadership to the commission.
His deep understanding of electoral law reform could prove crucial in addressing existing loopholes and strengthening the enforcement of electoral standards.
WHAT TO EXPECT
As INEC chairman, Amupitan’s immediate challenges include restoring voter confidence, ensuring the accuracy of the voter register, and improving technological deployment during elections.
He must also safeguard the commission’s independence in the face of political pressure — a challenge that has tested every previous INEC leader.
Professor Joash Amupitan’s blend of scholarship, legal expertise, and administrative experience positions him as a reform-driven leader poised to steer INEC toward greater credibility and trust as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
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