Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan Approved to Lead INEC

The National Council of State has formally approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This approval comes after President Bola Tinubu presented Amupitan as his nominee to fill the vacant position following the recent exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

The decision was made public in a statement released on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy. The vacancy arose after Professor Yakubu completed his decade-long tenure, having served two five-year terms from 2015 until October 2025.

In presenting his choice to the Council, President Tinubu highlighted that Professor Amupitan represents a significant milestone, as he is the first person from Kogi State, which is in the North-Central geopolitical zone, to be nominated to head the nation’s electoral body. Critically, the President also assured the Council that the nominee is apolitical, a necessary trait for the leader of the body responsible for conducting free and fair elections.

The nomination received unanimous support from the Council members. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, in particular, publicly endorsed the nominee, describing Professor Amupitan as a “man of integrity.”

This widespread support from the Council, which comprises current and past leaders of the nation, is a strong initial endorsement. Following this constitutional compliance step, President Tinubu is now set to forward Professor Amupitan’s name to the Senate for the mandatory screening and final confirmation process.

Until the Senate completes its screening and confirmation, May Agbamuche-Mbu, the longest-serving National Commissioner, will continue to serve as the Acting National Chairman of the electoral commission, a role she assumed following Professor Yakubu’s handover on Tuesday.

A Distinguished Legal Scholar for the Top Electoral Job

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan brings a lengthy and decorated academic and professional career to the helm of INEC. Born on April 25, 1967, the 58-year-old nominee hails from Ayetoro Gbede in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

He is currently a highly respected Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State, and is an alumnus of the institution. His legal expertise is specialized, focusing on core areas such as Company Law, the Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. His professional excellence was formally recognized when he was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014.

Yakubu Hands Over to Agbamuche as Acting INEC Chairman

His academic journey is one of continuous progression and high achievement. After his foundational education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, before moving on to the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was formally called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. He furthered his studies at the University of Jos, earning a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in 1993 and subsequently a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 2007.

Professor Amupitan’s academic career formally began in 1989, immediately following his compulsory National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. His ascent within the academic hierarchy at the University of Jos has been steady and significant.

He currently holds the crucial administrative position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). This role is held concurrently with his external position as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State, showcasing his extensive experience in high-level institutional governance.

His previous key administrative roles at the University of Jos include serving as the Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors from 2012 to 2014, and a long tenure as the Dean of the Faculty of Law from 2008 to 2014. Before that, he headed the Department of Public Law between 2006 and 2008.

Beyond his university and academic commitments, Professor Amupitan maintains a strong profile in the public and private sectors. He serves as a respected board member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council and has previously served as a member of the Council of Legal Education from 2008 to 2014.

His experience also extends to the corporate world, having served as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom and Riss Oil Limited in Abuja from 1996 to 2004. He is also a prolific author, having written several influential law textbooks, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008) and Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013). Professor Amupitan is married with four children. His extensive background in law, governance, and administration positions him as a strong candidate to take over the complexities of running Nigeria’s foremost electoral body.