President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), replacing Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently expired.
The nomination, which is expected to be formally transmitted to the National Council of State and subsequently to the Senate for confirmation, marks a major step in reshaping the nation’s electoral body ahead of future elections, including the 2027 general elections.
Professor Amupitan, a distinguished scholar and legal luminary, currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos. He is a Professor of Law with specialization in Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatization Law, and holds the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Born on April 25, 1967, in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan has had an extensive academic and professional career spanning several decades. He has authored numerous publications in both national and international journals and is widely respected in Nigeria’s legal and academic communities.
His nomination comes as Dame May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner, continues to oversee INEC in an acting capacity following Professor Yakubu’s exit after completing his second and final term in office.
Meanwhile, civic groups and democracy advocates have called for transparency and impartiality in the confirmation process. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged President Tinubu to ensure that the appointment is based on merit and non-partisanship, stressing the importance of maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
If confirmed by the Senate, Professor Amupitan will be tasked with leading the commission through critical electoral reforms and overseeing key off-cycle governorship elections before the next general election.
The nomination signals President Tinubu’s intent to strengthen the leadership of the electoral body as the nation prepares for another cycle of democratic transition.
